Sept. 25

The Dispatch September 25, 2020

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A Wrap On Summer: The Ocean City Beach Patrol, pictured on a blustery day Monday, wraps up its official coverage season this weekend.

Photo by Chris Parypa

OC Ready For Pop-Up Rally Antics

Scaled Down Winterfest Proposed

County Signs Off On Riverboat Buy

See Page 4 • Submitted Photo

See Page 9 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 18 • Submitted Photo

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September 25, 2020

September 25, 2020

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Officials Issue Warnings With Pop-Up Rally In Ocean City

Page 4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

NEWS EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the arrival of the unsanctioned pop-up car rally in Ocean City, the resort’s message is for visitors to just stay away and for residents to avoid the roadways.

It appears counterintuitive for leaders in a resort town and tourist destination to discourage visitors during a beautiful week of weather, but that is the message as attendees began arriving Monday for the pop-up car rally, formerly known as H2O International. For the last several years, the unsanctioned pop-up car rally, which is largely organized on social media, has brought with it illicit behavior, reckless and dangerous driving and general lawlessness.

The Town of Ocean City in recent years has been overrun with illegal ac-

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tivity. This year, however, town officials, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and its allied law enforcement agencies and the designated motorized special events task force appear more prepared than ever with a strengthened special enforcement zone legislation, hundreds of law enforcement officers, new traffic patterns including speed bumps in some areas and a series of other initiatives in place.

The checklist is thorough and appears to have left no stone unturned.

Nonetheless, the message from the town and the OCPD this week was for residents and visitors not associated with the motorized event to avoid the roadways and stay away altogether if possible. In the video statement this week, Mayor Rick Meehan essentially said as much.

“Due to the pop-up car rally, this up-

September 25, 2020

A vehicle is pictured being towed Tuesday after being cited for violations.

Submitted Photo

coming weekend is not going to be a typical fall weekend at the beach,” he said. “We encourage our residents to avoid traveling on Coastal Highway if possible because traffic is going to be

unusually heavy. In addition, we urge our visitors seeking a family-friendly experience to visit Ocean City for another weekend.”

In the statement, Meehan vowed the town was as prepared as ever for the unsanctioned pop-up car rally, but urged residents and other visitors to do their part by avoiding certain known trouble spots.

“We pride ourselves on being a coastal community that everyone can enjoy year-round,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are asking everyone to please exercise caution before deciding to visit Ocean City this weekend.”

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro issued his own video statement this week and echoed the mayor’s sentiments. Buzzuro said the OCPD and its allied partners were more prepared than ever for the event this year with the series of initiatives.

“I know there is a lot of concern from our residents and visitors about the popup rally happening this upcoming weekend,” he said. “We have worked tirelessly over the last year to find solutions to the challenges we face during this weekend.”

A few years back, the Town of Ocean City and its representatives in Annapolis were successful in getting state legislation passed that authorizes the creation of a special event zone complete with reduced speed limits and stronger fines, among other things. The first iteration of the special event zone bill was successful somewhat in curbing the illicit behavior associated with the motorized vehicle special events, but lacked real teeth to provide a deterrent for some of the unruliest participants.

To that end, resort officials went back to Annapolis last year and got an enhanced special event zone through the General Assembly. Among other things, the improved bill creates a list of violations under the larger umbrella of “exhibition driving.” For the first time in the evolution of the special event zone legislation, the enhanced penalties now include potential arrest along with the heavy fines and points.

“One great accomplishment of the last year was the new special event zone legislation,” Buzzuro said this week. “Along with enhanced fees and penalties, we now have the ability to make arrests for the most egregious violations under the new legislation.”

Buzzuro also referenced the increase in the number of police officers on the streets this weekend along with the planned and implemented traffic pattern changes and other initiatives.

“Our residents and visitors can expect to see several hundred police officers working throughout the pop-up rally weekend,” he said. “We will be implementing several different traffic patterns.

However, where and when will be a fluid situation. There will be major obstructions to traffic and it will be uncomfortable.”

In perhaps the strongest language in his video statement, Buzzuro urged resSEE PAGE 28

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Berlin Mayor Candidates Vow No Tax Increases Next Year

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – While none of the town’s mayoral candidates believe a tax increase is necessary in the coming year, they have varying ideas on how to keep the rate steady.

At last week’s online candidate forum, hosted by The Dispatch, each of the town’s five mayoral candidates were asked how they would approach the budget process. Several advocated for cuts as incumbent Gee Williams touted the services the town provides with its current level of spending.

“The idea that you can somehow cut these essential services and still have the same level of service, it’s dreamland,” Williams said. “It’s not real.”

In the wake of last year’s 18% tax increase, and knowing that one was pro-

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posed earlier this year before being nixed as a result of COVID-19, candidates were asked how they’d approach the budget process. Candidate Bill Todd said he’d start with cost reductions.

“I’m not about to sit here and say that if I was elected mayor that raising taxes is completely out of the question…,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a necessity. Of course I’d like to cut spending first.

There’s a lot of things we could get into that maybe we’ll save a couple bucks on.”

He said a tax increase would be a last resort.

“If I did I’d make sure it’s in an incremental rate and it wouldn’t be something I’d just smack people on the head with because I made a mistake a while back,” he said.

Candidate Jennifer Allen said residents were always asking her where the town’s money had gone.

“I think the town needs transparency as to where the money has gone,” she said. “So I plan to do an extensive review of the budget to determine what is allocated and if there are items that can be eliminated or reduced. I plan to have a monthly report sent out to all the citizens on town expenditures.”

She shared plans for a 12-year review of Berlin’s budgets as well as reviews of salaries, equipment/vehicles, town contracts and town departments.

“I want to do a full process review of every department where I will look for inefficiencies that can be corrected and will ultimately save money,” she said.

Allen said any tax increase would be on hold until budget audits were completed.

Candidate Zack Tyndall said he hadn’t supported the last tax increase.

“I think it’s important for the people to

September 25, 2020

understand that the role of the mayor is to one, set the tax rate, and two, present a balanced budget to the mayor and council,” Tyndall said. “As the mayor you really have a lot of control over the amount of spending that’s done by the municipality. Granted there is going to be council review and input you have to take into consideration but I didn’t see the necessity of the previous tax increase.”

Tyndall said that as a councilman he’d proposed $100,000 in surface level cuts last year that would have allowed the town to stay in its existing tax structure and that two years ago he’d asked for a comprehensive review of the town’s contracts.

“The follow-through for a procedure like that is essential and something I will be doing as the next mayor,” he said. “We don’t have to look very far for like a secret sauce. The Government Finance Officers Association has several pathways we can go down to be able to look at the cost saving measures for the Town of Berlin.

That’ll allow us to be able to take some of that overspending and direct that into replenishing our reserves. I don’t see the town as having a revenue problem per se.

I see it more as a spending problem.”

Candidate Ron Bireley agreed that the last tax increase wasn’t needed.

“I would tell you I am not afraid of raising taxes if it is necessary, however, my personal feeling is that the budget, the tax increase we had last year was unnecessary,” he said. “I firmly believe there is enough fat in that budget we can reduce that and I have promised the people of Berlin that if elected I am going to reduce the taxes.”

Williams defended the increase instituted last year.

“No one wants to raise taxes at any time, anywhere, but the reality is that just maintaining a level of service expenses go up not down,” he said. "The Town of Berlin, we’ve not just been maintaining services for the last several years, we are clearly improving them.”

He said the town had not increased the tax rate for 12 years.

“Our folks work very hard, they do a very good job,” he said. “When we compare the level of services and response time to communities even larger than us we’re doing really well.”

He said that the town was currently safe, economically viable and charming.

“I think that any idea that you’re going to come in and cut let’s say $100,000 or more, is just not realistic,” he said. “It’s a dream. It’s a nice idea but it’s not reality.

I think new residents and families are moving to Berlin like never before. I know they are. They’re not choosing Berlin because it has the lowest tax rate. They’re choosing it because … the quality of life here is unmatched in this region. That quality of life is to be preserved, protected and enhanced by your mayor. That is the message I’ve been getting loud and clear for years. I do not see that changing in the foreseeable future. I also do not see a tax increase being needed in the foreseeable future. Eventually yes but right now the idea we’re in some financial crisis is not true.”

The Berlin municipal election is set for Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Downtown Park Redevelopment Redesigns Reviewed By Committee

September 25, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials last week got an early glimpse of an independent consultant’s vision for a redeveloped downtown recreation complex, including a potential closure of St. Louis Avenue.

During a Recreation and Parks Committee meeting last Friday, consultant Tom McGilloway of Mahan Rykiel Associates presented a pair of conceptual plans for the redevelopment of the vast downtown recreation complex between 3rd and 4th Streets along the bayside.

The downtown park complex is bisected

by St. Louis Avenue. The existing section to the east is fairly developed with the historic Ocean Bowl skate park, basketball courts, a playground and open space.

The section to the west currently includes largely open space with long-abandoned ballfields and a waterfront bulk-headed area popular for recreational fishing. The park area to the west has been utilized for special events in recent history, including visits from touring tall ships during the summer. In August, the wide-open area to the west was utilized as a satellite location for the White Marlin Open, for example.

On Friday, McGilloway presented a couple of options for the park’s redevelopment to the Recreation and Parks Committee.

A central feature in both options is retaining the Ocean Bowl skate park, the oldest and longest-running municipal skate park of its kind in the country.

Though the skate park will not be relocated, the potential options laid out on Friday could move other fixtures in the park complex. For example, the basketball courts could be moved to the area along Philadelphia Avenue, or could remain where they are and tennis and pickleball courts could be added.

Both options presented on Friday call for retaining those existing amenities in an attractive and welcoming space with playgrounds and open areas for recreation and reflection with walking-biking paths to move visitors freely through the complex.

The vast section of open space between St. Louis Avenue and the bay would largely be retained as it is with a large, open lawn flexible enough to host pick-up soccer games or other sporting events surrounded by landscaped areas. The preliminary plans for that section also include a large, interactive playground with features for both adults and children. The waterfront area would remain open for recreational fishing with a bay-front boardwalk and fish-cleaning stations. That section of the park could include a temporary, portable stage capable of hosting modest concerts and other events, including future visits from tall ships and other attractions.

However, perhaps the biggest take-

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away from Friday’s presentation was the potential closure of St. Louis Avenue between 3rd and 4th streets. The entire park complex is bisected by St. Louis Avenue, which somewhat limits the redevelopment concepts. St. Louis Avenue is an important north-south corridor in the downtown area that relieves pressure on the heavily-traveled Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue during the peak summer season and is utilized by residents in the denselypopulated downtown area on the bayside.

However, both options presented on Friday include part-time or even fulltime closures of St. Louis Avenue between 3rd and 4th streets. The concept is to create a seamless park complex uninterrupted by a traffic thoroughfare.

That section of St. Louis Avenue could be blocked off occasionally, for special events or farmers markets, for example, or it could be permanently blocked off, dramatically changing traffic patterns in the downtown area. The plan is to redevelop the entire recreation complex piecemeal as funding allows and grants become available.

“We have a great opportunity here,” said Councilman and committee member Mark Paddack. “It’s a beautiful space. It’s going to have to be done incrementally. It could take years.”

The potential St. Louis Avenue closure is just one element of a much larger plan for the complex, but it appeared to have the support of many on the committee, at least conceptually.

“I love the idea of closing St. Louis Avenue,” said Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito. “I think that promenade has a lot of potential.”

City Engineer Terry McGean said he wasn’t too concerned about the potential pressure of closing one block of St. Louis Avenue would have on the downtown traffic patterns.

“Do I think it would create a lot of problems on Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue? No,” he said. “It’s used mostly by locals. They would figure it out.”

Others were less confident about the impact. Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) Executive Director Glenn Irwin said he could envision temporary closures of that section of St. Louis Avenue for certain special events, but was uncertain about a fulltime closure.

“I like the St. Louis Avenue closure idea, but only for certain events,” he said. “I don’t think we can close it permanently. That’s an important traffic corridor in the downtown area.”

Special Events Director Frank Miller echoed those sentiments.

“I like the idea of closing St. Louis Avenue for events,” he said. “I’m not sure about closing it permanently. I think that would create a lot of traffic headaches in that area.”

SEE PAGE 8

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One of the two proposals to redevelop Ocean City’s downtown park is pictured. The other version leaves the basketball courts where they are currently with the tennis/pickleball courts in the northeast corner.

Rendering by Mahan Rykiel Associates

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… Consultant Plan Includes Closing St. Louis Avenue

September 25, 2020

FROM PAGE 7 It’s uncertain if the concept of closing St. Louis Avenue, temporarily or permanently, would have the broad support of the full Mayor and Council.

The concept will likely be pitched to the Mayor and Council at some point because the thoroughfare bisecting the park complex is a key element of any redevelopment plan.

Another key element discussed on Friday was what to do with the old Dew Tour skate bowl that has been mothballed since the popular event pulled out of Ocean City several years ago. When the Dew Tour ended a three-year run in Ocean City in 2014, the town acquired the event’s iconic skate bowl and it remains in pieces at a maintenance yard in West Ocean City.

One of the options presented on Friday included the iconic Dew Tour bowl as a significant feature adjacent to the existing Ocean Bowl skate park.

However, the Dew Tour bowl has fallen into disrepair over the years and the concept of rehabilitating it and installing at the downtown recreation complex was met with a lukewarm reception.

“I think we need to scrap the Dew Tour bowl idea,” said Paddack. “We tried, and we can’t even give it away.

Leaving that out gives us a lot more flexibility.”

Instead, the area on one of the conceptual plans earmarked for the Dew Tour bowl could be repurposed for other uses, including some low impact skateboarding elements.

“I think we need elements for young skaters,” said Recreation Superintendent Kate Gaddis. “They need areas where they can learn. The skate park can be intimidating for young skaters, and then you add the Dew Tour bowl.”

McGean agreed installing the Dew Tour bowl in its entirety was likely not the best option, but he did say it was an asset with some historic value and maybe some elements could be implemented in the final redevelopment of the park complex.

“It is a mammoth structure,” he said. “How many will actually use it?

Maybe we can save some parts of it and incorporate it instead of this massive structure that dominates the park.”

The options presented on Friday are largely conceptual and there are a lot of moving parts to consider, but they represent a jumping-off point of sorts for the eventual redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex.

“I do like that it is not over-designed,” said Petito. “There is open flexible space throughout. We don’t need to put everything in the world into this space.”

Modifications Eyed For OC’s Annual Winterfest Event

September 25, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – There will likely be a Winterfest of Lights this year, but the event could look significantly different.

During a Recreation and Parks Committee meeting last week, Special Events Director Frank Miller presented a conceptual plan to retain the town’s popular Winterfest of Lights, although the plan represents a significant departure from the holiday tradition. Because of the ongoing pandemic, most of Ocean City’s major special events have been canceled or significantly altered this year and Winterfest of Lights will be no exception.

The annual holiday event, which runs roughly from the week before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, typically attracts over 100,000 visitors who ride the Boardwalk tram through massive light displays arrayed throughout the vast Northside Park complex. The event includes heated tents complete with Santa, his workshop, a gift store and hot chocolate and other vendors.

However, Miller is recommending for this year a significantly scaled back walk-through Winterfest of Lights because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

Miller said his proposed Winterfest of Lights for 2020 came after conversations with the Worcester County Health Department over some of the event’s typical signature elements.

“In our conversations with the health department, their two big red flags were the tents and the trams,” he said. “Social distancing for all of the people coming into the tent isn’t possible. It also becomes no longer viable to use the tram because of the spacing. We could only have one family per row, or one group by car.”

Instead, Miller is recommending a walk-through event this year. There would still be the massive Christmas tree and hundreds of the large light displays situated around the roughly half-mile walking trail around the lagoon area in the park. Visitors would walk through Winterfest of Lights at their leisure with no time constraints and visit the traditional amenities.

Those amenities include a visit with Santa and a gift shop and photo opportunities along with hot chocolate and other vendors. However, those amenities would be situated within the Northside Park complex building with social distancing, the wearing of masks and other COVID-related directives observed.

“The best opportunity is a walking event,” he said. “It would be a relatively tight course. Around 27 of the larger displays would be eliminated, but there SEE PAGE 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

… Walk-Through Winterfest Discussed In Ocean City

Page 10

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FROM PAGE 9 would be a lot of new experiences. People could really stop and look at the displays and not just drive past them. They could re-enter and walk through again.

There wouldn’t be a time limit on it.”

Although cancelling Winterfest altogether remains an option, scaling it back to Miller’s recommended event would salvage some revenue while continuing a decades-old holiday tradition in Ocean City. A traditional Winterfest of Lights would draw an estimated 104,000 visitors and would cost the town an esti-

mated $380,000 to produce, but would bring in an estimated $560,000 in revenue for a net gain of $180,000.

The scaled-back, walk-through event pitched by Miller last week would be held from Wednesday to Sunday only, eliminating the traditional seven-day format, and the hours would be reduced to 5;30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Miller estimates, weather permitting of course, the scaled-back event would draw an estimated 69,000 visitors.

The cost of producing the scaledback version of Winterfest of Lights

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September 25, 2020

would come in at around $250,000, while the anticipated revenue would be $330,000, for a net gain of $100,000 after certain fixed costs were considered. Miller explained there would be some labor costs reduced by not setting up the displays in the traditional event, but some of those man-hours would be absorbed by staff lighting the trees around the proposed lagoon walking path and other amenities. There would also some savings in fuel costs associated with running the trams on a continual loop through the park.

Councilman and committee member Mark Paddack suggested another alternative for the 2020 Winterfest of Lights event.

“If we got rid of the tents and got rid of the tram, we could allow people to drive through the park,” he said. “It’s doable. They would have to drive slow and stay on the path and there would only be one way in and one way out.”

However, Miller said that concept had been dismissed because of safety concerns.

“Inside the park, we have very narrow paths,” he said. “When you go around the lagoon area, there would be huge liability issues with the very tight turns. There is a potential for them not paying attention and looking at the displays and driving into the lagoon, or driving into the vehicle in front of them.

Though plans have not been formalized, this year’s Winterfest of Lights will look different.

Photo by Chris Parypa

It’s just a huge liability.”

For those reasons, Miller said the drive-through alternative was not being considered.

“It just doesn’t seem like a safe option,” he said. “We would end up with more potential problems than a positive experience. It would not be conducive to a great experience.”

Nonetheless, Miller promised to deliver a Winterfest of Lights that met the public safety guidelines while still maintaining many of the holiday traditions.

“We would still have all of the traditional favorites,” he said. “There would still be Santa and the gift shop and hot chocolate and all of the traditional elements people have come to expect.”

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Berlin Candidates Discuss Growth

Page 12

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FENWICK ISLAND • DE

BERLIN – As the town’s growth continues to be a concern among residents, candidates in this fall’s municipal election agree that annexations need to be looked at carefully moving forward.

Both mayoral and town council candidates were asked to share their thoughts on growth during this month’s virtual town hall sessions hosted

by The Dispatch. Plans are underway for a hotel and convenience store on annexed property at the intersection of North Main Street and Route 50 while an apartment complex south of there has also been proposed. While some candidates stressed the need for infill development, others cited the economic benefit of annexation and the measure of control over development it provides the town.

Mayor Candidates Zack Tyndall: “There have been many annexations over the past 12 years. Over the past four years as a councilmember, I voted against every single one of them. I voted against them because I knew that the costs we’re charging out as a municipality are not equitable. They’re not covering the full cost of what it takes to bring on somebody new into the Town of Berlin. We have a water and sewer treatment plant that is at or near the capacity where we’re going to have to start the building and planning phase. With that, that fund currently has roughly $13.5 million in debt on the books. In order for us to do an expansion that’s going to take more money. We’re talking in the millions. With that being said, the only way that we’re going to be able to do that within the fund is going to be to raise water and sewer rates. That has been proposed and I don’t know if that’s the best path forward. And when we look at the EDU rates, the EDU rates for us as the Town of Berlin, we’re the highest relative to our peers.

Competitive-wise for the town we really need to look at the cost structure of each annexation, what the true revenue source is going to be for the taxpayers and how that’s going to affect the town as a whole. If we look at, each annexation is different, but if we look at the electric utility if we annexed new properties, those properties are not generally able to go on to our electric service.

What that does, if you take Oceans East for example, it creates a real imbalance if you look at how the fund is run because you in essence get potentially several thousand or so people in Oceans East that could dictate how the electric plant is operated but have no skin in the game.

They don’t pay the same electric that we do. You have to really look at each annexation and whether there’s

September 25, 2020

a better way to move forward. I’ve stood by as a councilmember, the fact that we can grow from within, we can sustain the growth from within, use the existing water and sewer line, use the existing electric utilities that run past these properties, and it’s a bigger value add for the people of Berlin. As the next mayor, I’m going to look at maximizing what we can do within before we start expanding any further.”

Bill Todd: “I agree with Zack on that point, I do. I think every annexation should be looked at separately.

I also think, on both sides of the argument of annexation of property, and it’s been a very hot topic lately, you also with annexation you have a little bit more control of what can happen in the town. It takes a little bit away from the county at that point.

We can kind of control what we want to do. Take it all case by case, but on the same note, I’m not adamantly against annexation, especially if it means protecting what we already have. I like to look at both sides of the coin and to be perfectly honest my opinion really doesn’t matter on this subject. I’d do whatever the public would want me to do at this junction because I know it’s a very hot topic right now and there’s a lot of people that don’t want to see any growth but on the same note you have to understand that in order to maintain our way of life here money needs to come in. So there’s two sides to that coin and as I said before it requires a lot more discussion especially with the public and those are the people I’m here to defend.”

Gee Williams: “We’re talking about annexation and I think something that needs to be understood by folks not only running for office but also who are going to be doing voting, is that Berlin needs both residential and commercial development. This is not about approving anything anywhere, it’s about putting the right things in the right places. Without measured incremental growth, the citizens of Berlin will face two disturbing alternatives.

With only infill development, which I understand some people think that will be the solution to everything, either of two things will happen because Berlin’s property tax base will be basically stagnant. There will be a steady decline in the quality and availability of town services for all citizens, businesses and property owners or, to keep our town’s quality of life, we will have to raise property taxes regularly, which is not something we do, to keep up with growing inflation and expenses. That means that the transformation of longtime residents and businesses moving out of town while more affluent people move in who can afford the higher rates.

Over a few years, Berlin will beSEE PAGE 40

Biker In Critical Condition After Crash

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The scene of last Friday night’s accident is pictured on 23rd Street.

Photo by Campos Media

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An Ephrata, Pa., man remained in critical condition this week after his motorcycle collided with a passenger van in Ocean City last Friday night.

Around 8:45 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a serious motor vehicle collision at southbound Philadelphia Avenue at 23rd Street. The crash involved a motorcycle and a passenger van. The

driver of the motorcycle, an adult male from Ephrata, Pa., suffered serious injuries, including the loss of his leg.

Officers on the scene provided immediate live-saving measures for the motorcyclist until EMS arrived. The victim was flown by Maryland State Police Trooper 4 helicopter to Shock Trauma in Baltimore where he remained in critical condition this week.

Southbound traffic on Philadelphia Avenue was diverted to Baltimore Avenue for an extended amount of time as the scene was cleared and investigated.

Page 13

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 25, 2020

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

No Street Closures, Annual Activities For Berlin’s Halloween

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Council candidates said this week they supported the town’s plan not to endorse Halloween activities amid COVID-19 concerns.

On Tuesday, Mayor Gee Williams confirmed that the town was not sponsoring or endorsing Halloween in the community this year. The town will not close any streets for trick-or-treating.

“The town is asking residents who do not wish to be approached for Halloween candy and treats to simply turn off your porch lights or front door lights on Halloween,” Williams said. “We are asking those people who do choose to trick or treat to respect the preference of many residents to not participate. …

The town strongly urges anyone who decides to participate to practice social distancing and masks, which should not be any inconvenience on Halloween.”

In a virtual town hall session hosted

by The Dispatch Tuesday evening, candidates running for town council positions said they understood Williams’ decision. While some people may be out trick-or-treating, Berlin’s popular Halloween attractions, including Washington Street’s elaborate displays and the haunted house at Burbage Funeral Home, will not be open.

“I think cancelling Halloween this year, it is a reality,” said Tony Weeg,

A flash mob is pictured on Berlin’s Washington Street during Halloween two years ago.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

a candidate for the at-large council seat. “We’re going to do something different in our little neighborhood on Bay Street and I encourage the rest of the town to do the same thing in their own pod of people they’ve been hanging out with this whole pandemic. Don’t give up the spirit of these events guys.

Just do it in a different and safer way and that spirit will continue on to next

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year, hopefully when we’re all back doing these things again.”

Jay Knerr, another candidate for the at-large seat, acknowledged that it was a tough decision for the mayor to make.

“I know that was a hard call for the mayor to do, but I understand it,” Knerr said. “I mean in our neighborhood, I get between 300 and 400 kids in that short

September 25, 2020

period of time. That is a lot of people on the street. And that’s just kids. With parents on the street, and then when you look around the corner to Washington Street and there’s a thousand to two thousand people standing on the street, it is overcrowded.”

District 3 candidate Shaneka Nichols said her family was adapting.

“We’ve discussed it here at our house, that trick-or-treating will be held right here, you’ll probably go from bedroom to bedroom knocking on doors asking for candy,” she said.

Nichols said that residents should just try to be creative, as they have often done during the last six months.

“Think outside the box as how to maintain and create, tweak your traditions so that they fit the time,” she said.

Daniel Packey, the other District 3 contender, said his family too was gutted that Berlin’s traditional Halloween wouldn’t take place.

“There’s just not a possible way to do it…,” he said. “I’m afraid that there’s just nothing we can do in terms of public safety and health.”

Jack Orris, the only District 2 candidate, said that the spirit of Halloween lived on regardless. He added that the CDC had provided guidance in regard to the holiday.

“It’s just a way of creatively adjusting to the COVID situation,” he said. “I am disappointed too.”

Wicomico Stays With Acting Executive

September 25, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council voted last week to have Director of Administration John Psota continue as the acting county executive.

In a special meeting last Friday, the council voted 5-2, with Councilman Josh Hastings and Councilwoman Nicole Acle opposed, to approve the continuation of Psota as acting county executive until the vacancy is filled by election in 2022 or, if earlier, by an appointment of the legislative body.

“After council requested and received applications to fill the vacancy in the Office of County Executive and conducted interviews of certain applicants, the council is unable to reach a majority consensus to fill the vacancy,” Council President Larry Dodd said in a statement last week, “so the council decided that it would be in the best interest of the county for Mr. Psota to continue to fill the vacancy pursuant to the charter.”

Since the death of County Executive Bob Culver in late July, a total of five candidates have submitted their names for the position. According to the county’s charter, the council has 45 days to appoint a successor.

After the first round of applications, the council held interviews with three candidates late last month – state Delegate Carl Anderton, Salisbury cardiologist Rene Desmarais and former county Finance Director Michele Ennis.

At the outset, Anderton’s name was submitted for the position of county executive. The motion, however, failed with Hastings and Councilmen John Cannon and Bill McCain in favor, and Dodd, Acle and Councilmen Ernie Davis and Joe Holloway opposed. A motion to name Desmarais the next county executive then passed 4-3.

However, just four days later Desmarais declined his appointment, and the council was left with the choice of either selecting from the remaining pool of applicants or reopening the application process. In a special meeting late last month, the legislative body agreed to seek new applicants and set a new deadline of Sept. 14.

Last week, Dodd announced the council had received applications from both Anderton and Wicomico County’s General Services Supervisor Lawrence Pate Matthews. In Friday’s special meeting, however, no vote was take on the two candidates as council members said they could not reach a majority consensus.

Reading from a statement at the start of the meeting, Dodd said the council had sought guidance from legal counsel and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office regarding the process for selecting a successor. He noted the charter did not require the legislative body to request applications or conduct interviews in open session.

“In other words, the council could

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

select someone to fill the vacancy in a closed session, and without requesting applications or interviewing anyone,” he said. “As mentioned, the Wicomico County charter does not specify a required process to fill the vacancy. The initial thought was that the council must do so by 45 days after Mr. Culver’s death. But we have been informed by legal counsel that this is not a mandatory deadline.”

Prior to Friday’s vote, Hastings told the council he would vote against Psota’s continuing role.

“My no vote has nothing to do with Mr. Psota’s capabilities or leadership,” he said. “It has everything to do with this body’s process and inability to do what the charter said we were to do within 45 days, which was to appoint a new county executive. Today, 54 days after the vacancy, we are going to appoint an individual who did not even apply for this position.”

Hastings also noted Psota would now be working three jobs – acting county executive, director of administration and deputy director of administration, a position that has remained vacant since the spring.

“As I’ve said before, and I think all of us agree, we need to immediately hire a deputy administrator to make sure Mr. Psota gets all of the support he needs,” he said.

Both Cannon and McCain said they supported Psota’s continued role, but stressed the importance of forming a charter review committee to improve the process for filling a vacancy.

“One thing that will come from this is that we do recognize – as we have over the last few years – that there are many charter amendments that need to be addressed,” Cannon said.

“The entire charter itself has to be addressed.”

After further discussion, the council voted 5-2 to have Psota continue as acting county executive. He will continue to serve until the vacancy is filled by election or, if earlier, by an appointment of the council.

“I accept and am humbled by the confidence council has demonstrated by passing this resolution,” Psota said in a statement last Friday. “While I have not sought the appointment, I do believe that it is in the County’s best interest to now move forward and provide stability so that we can collectively address the opportunities and challenges in Wicomico County’s future.”

He continued, “I look forward to working with the County Council, our employees and the entire community in those endeavors.”

Psota, the county’s new director of administration, assumed the role of acting county executive following Culver’s death on July 26. As the acting county executive, he has the same rights, duties, powers and obligations as an elected executive.

Although the salary for county executive is $85,000, Dodd said Psota will keep his director of administration salary, set at $120,000.

Page 17

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County Agrees To Riverboat Buy For South End Tourism

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2 in an emergency meeting Tuesday to move forward with the purchase of a riverboat.

The commissioners agreed to loan Snow Hill and Pocomoke roughly $350,000 to buy the Black Eyed Susan, a 149-passenger riverboat that has been used in Havre de Grace. The boat is meant to bring tourism to the southern end of Worcester County.

“We believe this opportunity checks

all the boxes for Snow Hill and Pocomoke,” said Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of tourism, economic development and recreation and parks. “It’s what I believe to be a great opportunity to take advantage of the Pocomoke River. It’s an asset, it’s an economic draw.”

Perlozzo said the riverboat was a unique opportunity to promote the southern end of the county as a tourism destination. He said the plan was for Snow Hill and Pocomoke to purchase the boat through funding from the county. That funding would be made up of a $100,000 Community Legacy Grant transfer — as

HISTORY WEEK OCTOBER 10TH-16TH

For this year’s Ocean City History Week, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is offering a variety of events and activities to highlight the town’s unique coastal history.

FREE Admission for all Delmarva Locals: During history week we are offering free admission to all Eastern Shore locals. If you live on the Delmarva Peninsula stop by and enjoy the museum free of charge!

Fall Photo opportunity: Be sure to stop by the museum for a fall photo opportunity. Pose with our display of fall flowers, pumpkins, and hay located on the boardwalk in front of our shark display and anchor.

History of our Surfman: Monday through Friday at 1:00 pm join us for a free program as we take a close look at the equipment that was used by the United States Life-Saving Service to conduct rescue. This program will be held inside the museum’s boat room.

Saturday, October 10th Book signing with local author Anna Dolle Bushnell: From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Anna will be signing her newest book; Dolle’s Candyland, Inc.

Sunday, October 11th Pieces of our Past: On Sunday, October 11th at 1:00 pm, join us for an hour-long live broadcast Pieces of Our Past where we will share with our viewers several never before seen artifacts. To register please visit ocmuseum.org Monday, October 12th Tour & Book Discussion: The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum has partnered with Worcester County Library to bring you a tour of the museum where you will learn about the US Life-Saving Service and what life was like as a keeper. Along with the tour, there will be a book discussion of In the Heart of the Sea. To register for this event please contact Program Director Elena Coelho at 443-783-6164.

Tuesday, October 13th Showing of the Storm of 1962 Movie: Enjoy watching the storm of 1962 movie from the comfort of your own home. This iconic storm swept the Atlantic coast forever altering the island’s landscape. Worcester County Library will be streaming this cinema at 2:00 pm. Registration can be found on worcesterlibrary.org after September 10th.

All Things History Store Sale: Enjoy discounts on a wide variety of books, DVDs, and apparel within our museum store.

Annual Spirit Award: Do you know someone who has helped preserve local history? If so, we invite you to nominate them for the Spirit Award. Both individuals and organizations are eligible. Please visit ocmuseum.org for nominee requirements.

813 S. Atlantic Ave. (Boardwalk at the Inlet) 410-289-4991 • www.ocmuseum.org

September 25, 2020

Tyson Foods in Snow Hill does not intend to take advantage of the grant it received — as well as the $250,000 in CARES Act funding the commissioners previously set aside for the southern part of the county. Perlozzo said the venture represented little risk for the county because the boat was one of just nine such boats available in the United States. He added that Lachelle Scarlato, deputy director of economic development for Worcester County, had part ownership of the LLC that currently owned the boat.

Gary Weber, Snow Hill’s town manager, asked the commissioners to consider how much the riverboat could benefit the southern portion of the county.

“With the addition of the Black Eyed Susan our river will become the destination that it deserves to be,” he said. “It’ll be a shining jewel in the crown of our county seat.”

He said it would bring dozens of jobs for those in the restaurant business as well as actors and musicians. It could also provide educational opportunities for local students.

Commissioner Chip Bertino was quick to ask for details regarding the proposal. He questioned the cost of moving the boat to Snow Hill as well as preparations associated with docking it. Weber said it would cost $10,000 to $15,000 to bring it to Snow Hill but didn’t have details regarding the route it would take.

When Bertino asked how many trips

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the boat would take to make money, Weber said the ticket cost would depend on what type of trip was offered.

He said the operator, who has not yet been identified, will decide what sorts of trips to offer on the boat.

Bertino also questioned Pocomoke’s involvement, as the city had not officially signed on to the project yet.

Mayor Susan Marshall Harrison said the city was very interested. Pocomoke City Manager Jeremy Mason agreed.

“Everybody is on board if it makes sense,” he said. “We don’t have all the answers.”

Bertino pointed out that neither did the commissioners yet they were being asked to make a decision now. When he asked to see the boat’s past financials, Weber said they’d been requested from Havre de Grace but had not been received. He added, however, that what happened in Havre de Grace could not be compared to Snow Hill. Weber, citing his success with the Blue Dog Café, said he was confident that it would prove profitable.

“I have no doubt in my mind this boat will pay for itself,” he said. “It wouldn’t even have to leave the dock.”

Bertino said it was hard to support the project when there was no business plan.

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September 25, 2020

comprehensive information,” he said.

Weber said he wished there was more time to provide that information but that there were other prospective buyers interested in the boat.

“It seems like these things are very desirable,” he said.

Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said he could answer some of Bertino’s questions. As far as tickets, he said prices ranged from $40 to $95 a person. When Bertino said that sort of information should have been in the commissioners’’ packets, Higgins said he’d gotten it last minute.

“That’s my point …,” Bertino said.

“Doing it on the fly I think leads to mistakes. We have not had the opportunity to vet this.”

He added that Leonardtown officials had met last week to consider purchasing the boat. They’d been given a detailed presentation on the proposal.

“A lot of the questions I asked, they had answers for in that presentation,” Bertino said. “When all was said and done, after a tremendous presentation — I wish our folks had done that today — the city council came to the conclusion it didn’t work for them because there were still, as detailed as the presentation was, they still had questions they couldn’t answer.”

He added that he questioned whether the purchase should be considered when a county employee was an owner of the boat.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, making a motion to move provide Snow Hill and Pocomoke a no interest loan to make the purchase, said time was of the essence and that the county should not let the opportunity pass by.

“This is something that could revitalize the downtown of not one but two towns in the southern end of the county…,” he said. “If we don’t make a decision today we are going to lose this opportunity and if we lose it we may never get it again. I implore everyone up here to understand that. Understand how important this is for Pocomoke. How important this is for Snow Hill. How long these towns have been depressed economically. How they’ve wanted something, needed something, craved something for economic development, employment, for jobs, to bring people to town so people will want to put businesses in these empty storefronts that have been sitting empty for years and years.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting expressed objections to the proposal.

“It may pass the legal test to take the $250,000 in advertising from the CARES Act but it doesn’t pass the smell test,” he said. “Lord knows who else you’re affecting by doing this. There’s other people that could probably use this money.”

He echoed Bertino’s concern about Scarlato’s involvement.

“It’s not right that a county employee will benefit from this,” he said.

Bunting also referenced the repairs the boat needed and the fact that its kitchen would have to be approved by

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The 149-passenger Black Eyed Susan boat is pictured.

Photo courtesy Pinnacle Marine’s website

the health department. He said while he’d like to find a way to help the southern end of the county he didn’t think this was it.

“I don’t have the optimism you do,” he told Weber. “I think it’ll be a failure.”

Commissioner Bud Church acknowledged that he had a few concerns about the riverboat but wanted to move forward with it. He pointed out it had the

support of various towns as well as the Harrison Group in Ocean City.

“I see it as a win-win not only for Snow Hill and Pocomoke but all of Worcester County,” he said.

Commissioner Ted Elder said he was torn because while he wanted to promote Snow Hill and Pocomoke he didn’t like being rushed into a major purchase.

When he asked Weber whether the boat had been making many trips and whether it was usually full of passengers, Weber said he didn’t know. He said he couldn’t speak for Havre de Grace but could show Elder the financials of the Blue Dog Café, which had proven successful for 10 years.

“We are a tourist attraction,” he said.

“We want to build that. This will help us build that. We’re never going to have this opportunity again. Snow Hill, for the first time in probably 15 years, the mayor, the council, every department head,

Page 19

love respect and nurture each other every day. There is no division whatsoever in our town. We’ve got an election coming up, we’re going to have a mayor, two council people, then we might have a whole different slate of people. Here we are. It’s all aligned.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he felt the county needed to take the chance on the boat.

“I think we can spend $250,000 on internet, magazines, TV and radio and certainly not get the bang for the buck we will if this paddlewheel boat goes up and down the Pocomoke River,” he said. “I have my concerns. Don’t get me wrong.

But as I just said to Mr. Elder nothing ventured nothing gained. I think this is a venture that’s going to be a big gain for the county.”

The commissioners voted 5-2 to provide the loan for the boat with Bertino and Bunting opposed.

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BERLIN – As expected, the special event zone in place in Ocean City this week for the unsanctioned pop-up car rally has been extended throughout northern Worcester County.

Last winter, after being brushed off the year before, resort officials were successful in Annapolis working through the local legislative delegation on getting an enhanced special event zone bill through the General Assembly. Among other things, the enhanced legislation creates a laundry list of violations under the larger umbrella of “exhibition” driving including, for example, abrupt acceleration or deceleration, skidding, swerving, spinning of wheels or wheels losing contact with the roadway.

For the first time in the evolution of the special event zone legislation, the enhanced penalties now include potential arrest for the most egregious offenses along with heavy fines and points in some cases. Thus far, the special event zone has been applied only in Ocean City proper for the last couple of years.

However, the bill as written includes all of Worcester County. During a motor vehicle task force meeting earlier this month, it was intimated the special event zone could be applied in

September 25, 2020

areas of Worcester County at large, in and around the resort area, during the pop-up car rally.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office announced the special event zone was in place this week on several major roadways and access points to Ocean City.

For example, the special event zone is officially in place on Route 50 from Route 589 into Ocean City, on Route 90 from Route 589 into Ocean City, on Route 589 between Routes 90 and 50, and on Route 611 from Route 50 to Airport Road.

“The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is anticipating an influx of car enthusiasts for an unofficial event in Ocean City and northern Worcester County this weekend,” a release from the sheriff’s office reads. “For those that are not respectful of others and drive in a reckless or aggressive manner, you can expect strict enforcement from members of this office along with allied agencies that are here to maintain law and order. There will be a focus on traffic enforcement to maintain the safety of pedestrians and other motorists along with the dispersing of large crowds. Visitors and residents should expect alternate traffic patterns, traffic delays, increased law enforcement presence and reduced speeds to help reduce known issues experienced during previous events.”

September 25, 2020

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners this week got a first look at a draft plan to monitor and potentially address chronic flooding in town.

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville presented the draft nuisance flood plan to the Planning Commission on Sept. 15. State law requires each coastal community that experiences nuisance flooding to prepare and submit a nuisance flood plan to inform the public and to take action to address flooding issues when it becomes necessary. It’s no secret many areas along the bayside downtown flood during even modest rainfall events and periods of high tides. It’s been going on for years and at times certain areas along the bayside become impassable.

Heretofore, the occasional flooding in the downtown area on the bayside has been just that, a nuisance, and at other times certain areas are shut off to vehicle traffic. Neville said at this point, the mandated nuisance flood plan is only required to monitor and collect data and identify recurring trouble spots. The next step is identifying possible solutions if and when the flooding situation is exacerbated.

“We need to prepare a nuisance flood plan and monitor it for the next five years,” he said. “This is the best way to

September 25, 2020

observe the changes so we can best respond.”

The draft plan identifies nuisance flooding as flood conditions up to one foot that cause inconvenience, but not significant property damage. When the flooding moves from being inconvenient to more severe, the town will likely take action to mitigate the impacts, some of which would come with significant price tags. However, at this point, the plan simply calls for monitoring and collecting data over the next five years before embarking on serious mitigation plans.

“Should we consider elevating the streets at some point?” he said. “Are we going to reach the point where we have to raise the infrastructure? Those are the kinds of questions addressed by this report.”

Neville said the state’s deadline for submitting a draft nuisance flood plan is Oct. 1 and the full Mayor and Council will sign off on it after the planning commission reviewed it on Tuesday.

At this point, the town is only required to monitor and identify “first to flood” areas.

“The odd thing about this document is the state only asks us to collect data,” he said. “It didn’t ask us to adopt specific solutions yet. It hasn’t gone through the approval process yet.”

Water rises in the flood-prone areas downtown during significant rainfall events, or sometimes during unusually high tide cycles when not a drop of rain falls, called sunny day flooding. While much of the focus is on the downtown bayside areas, there are often significant flooding issues uptown along Coastal Highway during major rainfall events.

Those issues have been mitigated somewhat by a comprehensive storm drain cleanout program over the last couple of years.

“The tide gage alone is not enough,” said Neville. “We can have a major rainfall event that doesn’t raise the tide gage where we have significant flooding because of the runoff on the north side of Coastal Highway.”

Planning Commissioner Lauren Taylor said the downtown flood-prone areas have been a nuisance the town has been willing to live with for a long time, but it could be time to consider mitigation efforts.

“It’s been flooding downtown for the last 60 years,” she said. “Yes, it floods now and then, but it’s not worth the money to do something about it. Now, maybe we’re at the point where it is.”

Neville agreed increased frequency and intensity could signal a time to take action.

“Looking at the data, we still only seeing four, maybe six, flooding events each year,” he said. “What other communities up and down the east coast are finding is it’s time to take action when it becomes 10 to 12 times a year. Once it becomes a once a month occurrence, it goes from being a nuisance to time to do something about it.”

Adult Education Grants Awarded

September 25, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Two local adult education providers have received more than $524,000 in combined grant funding from the Maryland Department of Labor.

Last week, the Maryland Department of Labor announced its selection of 25 adult education providers to receive $16.8 million in combined federal and state funds. WorWic Community College received $298,972, while Worcester County Public Schools received $225,737.

Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson said the recipients will use the funds – awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Labor – to continue expanding access to adult education opportunities for Marylanders in the areas of adult basic and secondary education, English language acquisition and civics education.

“Labor is excited to provide funding to these organizations that provide essential instructional services to help adult learners achieve their personal and professional goals,” she said. “By investing in and increasing access to adult education programs across the state, we are helping Marylanders obtain the skills they need to build a better future for themselves, their families, and our state’s workforce.”

Angela Paris, coordinator of instruction for Worcester County Public Schools, said the funding will allow the school system’s adult education program to continue providing educational, diploma and employment opportunities. Through the Maryland Department of Labor grant, Worcester County Public Schools offers Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Maryland iPathways, Corrections and Distance Learning programs.

“We work with learners to help them meet their economic, educational, family or societal/community goals,” she said. “Our program provides instruction and support to those preparing for the GED test and the U.S. Citizenship test. We work with English learners to not only strengthen their English language acquisition skills, but to increase their participation in their child's education, improve workplace performance and become life-long learners.”

She continued, “While our program provides supports to reach one’s individualized goals, we also strive to build a stronger, better-qualified local workforce through focused instruction on workplace skills and digital literacy.

Our partnership with the American Job Center provides students with access to job fairs, trainings and career advancement opportunities.”

Denean Jones-Ward, director of continuing education and workforce development at Wor-Wic, said the $298,972 grant award will support

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the college’s adult education services for Wicomico County residents seeking a high school diploma or who want to increase their language acquisition skills. She noted the grant funding is $90,742 less than what was received in fiscal year 2020.

“The college has been selected as the grantee since July 1, 2014,” she said. “In FY20, we served a total of 638 students. The funding allows students to take the classes for free. Additional opportunities for our adult learners after they achieve their goals include transitioning to postsecondary education, enrolling in job training and/or securing stabilized employment.”

Paris said the school system’s adult education program is currently accepting online registration. For more information, visit www.worcesterk12.org, email adulteducation@worcesterk12.org, or call 410-632-5071.

For more information on Wor-Wic’s adult education services, contact Denean Jones-Ward at djones-ward@worwic.edu or call 410-334-2815.

Face-to-face and distance learning classes are ongoing.

Gov. Larry Hogan this week also announced $10 million in grant awards for Maryland’s 16 community colleges to expand education opportunities and workforce development programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, Wor-Wic received $401,217 in grant funding.

“Thanks to our state’s world-class academic community, Maryland continues to be home to one of the most highly educated workforces in America,” Hogan said. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we offer all Marylanders every opportunity to get the tools they need to stay competitive in the job market, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The GEER Fund is a federal grant for governors to support and assist local education agencies, higher education institutions, and other educational entities with emergency assistance due to COVID-19, and is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Hogan has committed $45.7 million in GEER funding to wide-ranging education initiatives, as well as an additional $300 million for K-12 and higher education through the CARES Act. The grant funding will help community colleges expand workforce development courses and continue professional education that leads to government or industry certification or licensure, particularly focused on individuals impacted by the COVID19 pandemic through loss of employment.

Each college can use the funding to support direct student aid, curriculum, salaries and wages, professional development and student recruitment, among other things.

Page 23

Page 24

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Handgun Fired On Beach OCEAN CITY – An Allentown, Pa., man was arrested last week and charged with numerous weapons and drug possession counts after reportedly firing a handgun on the beach in the early morning hours.

Around 12:15 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a hotel at 54th Street for a reported weapons violation and a suspicious trespasser. The hotel manager called 911 and reported seeing a handgun in a room where a reportedly intoxicated and strange-acting suspect, later identified as Israel Maldonado, 49, of Allentown, Pa., was staying.

The hotel manager reportedly told police she entered Maldonado’s room because his checkout time had passed and the room had been rented to another guest. The manager told police she had made other arrangements for Maldonado and entered the room to wake him and inform him of the room changes when she observed the handgun and a assisted-opening knife on the dresser. After observing the weapons, the manager left the room and called police.

Officers observed video surveillance of Maldonado loading his belongings onto a luggage cart in the hallway and watched him reach for a large bulky item tucked into the rear of his waistband multiple times, according to police reports.

Officers went to the area of Maldonado’s room and found him in the entry area of

the room. The officers aimed their firearms at Maldonado, who walked backward into the room and sat on the bed with his back and shoulders propped up against the headboard, according to police reports.

Maldonado reportedly reached for the small of his back, but officers ordered him to stop and he complied and was handcuffed. On the bed where Maldonado had been lying was a .38 caliber handgun with a loaded magazine and one round chambered. The serial number on the weapon had been completely obliterated.

In the room, OCPD officers also found an assisted-opening knife on the dresser and a baggie containing suspected powder cocaine. Maldonado reportedly told police the handgun was for his protection and admitted the cocaine was his, according to police reports.

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pected marijuana in an amount greater than 10 grams along with a baggie containing suspected psilocybin. A further search of Maldonado reportedly turned up a small white pill identified as oxycodone.

In the hotel room, OCPD officers located two spent brass shell casings, one on the dresser and another on the floor near the sliding door that accesses the beach.

Through the investigation, an independent witness came forward from an upstairs room and reported hearing a loud bang coming from the beach area outside the hotel between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

When questioned, Maldonado reportedly told police he fired two rounds from the handgun while on the beach during his morning prayers and that he brought the spent shell casings back into the room with him.

Police Officers Assaulted

OCEAN CITY – A Gettysburg, Pa. man was charged with multiple counts last weekend after attempting to ride a motorcycle while intoxicated and scrapping with resort police attempting to arrest him.

Around 1:30 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers observed a disorderly male later identified as John Anderson, 42, of Gettysburg, Pa., outside a downtown bar in Wicomico Street. Anderson was reportedly talking with bar staff, who were telling him he was too intoxicated to stay and needed to go home. According to police reports, bar staffers were pleading with Anderson numerous times to just walk home, but he refused to leave the area.

An OCPD officer made contact with Anderson and determined he was intoxicated, according to police reports. Bar staffers offered to walk Anderson safely back to where he was staying and the officer attempted to find a friend or make arrangements for a ride for Anderson to no avail.

The officer eventually ended his contact with Anderson when patrons from the bar offered to help get him home safely. About a half an hour later, another OCPD officer reported there was an intoxicated male getting ready to get on a motorcycle in the parking lot of another bar around the corner.

The initial officer responded to the area and immediately recognized Anderson straddling the motorcycle. According to police reports, the kickstand was in the upright position, the engine was running, and the tail lights were on.

The officer advised Anderson to turn off the motorcycle. Anderson reportedly put the kickstand down and turned off the ignition, but nearly fell attempting to get off the motorcycle. The officer had to stabilize the motorcycle to keep it from falling over as Anderson swung his leg in an attempt to get off, according to police reports.

A search of Anderson revealed a plastic baggie of powder cocaine roughly the size of a golf ball. In Anderson’s backpack, the officer located a plastic baggie of suspected marijuana in excess of 10 grams. At that point, Anderson was taken into custody.

When numerous officers attempted to put Anderson in a prisoner transport van, he allegedly put his foot on the step and pushed back against the officers. Anderson was reportedly taken to the ground and put into a violent person restraining device. Numerous officers then lifted Anderson from the ground and attempted SEE NEXT PAGE

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September 25, 2020

to load him in the transport van, but he allegedly continued to resist and kicked one officer in the chest.

He reportedly continued to resist even after being transported to the Public Safety Building for processing. All in all, Anderson was ultimately charged with multiple counts of second-degree assault on police officers, drug possession charges, resisting arrest and DUI.

Indecent Exposure Uptown OCEAN CITY – A Columbia, Md., man was arrested for indecent exposure last week after allegedly exposing himself to a mom walking with her children on an uptown street in the middle of the morning.

Around 10:35 a.m. last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to the area of 133rd Street and Sinepuxent Avenue for a reported indecent exposure incident.

Officers met with a female victim, who reported she was walking on Sinepuxent Avenue with her children when she observed a male suspect sitting on a chair on the rear deck completely naked from the waist down, according to police reports.

When asked if she could identify which house, the victim pointed to a group of homes and advised the suspect was likely still on the deck. OCPD officers responded to the area and found a suspect, later identified as Donald Mayo, 63, of Columbia, Md., standing on the first-floor

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch deck of a residence now fully clothed, according to police reports. The deck was roughly street level and a chair was located on it.

OCPD officers interviewed the female victim who reportedly told police Mayo waived and said hi to her and her children as they walked by while completely naked below the waist. The victim told police she was disturbed to see a man sitting naked from the waist down on a deck while she was walking with her children in the middle of the morning. The victim was brought over and positively identified Mayo as the suspect and he was arrested and charged with indecent exposure.

30 Days For Officer Assault OCEAN CITY – A Colorado man, arrested in May after breaking a window and trying to gain entry to a midtown residence before scrapping with police attempting to arrest him, pleaded guilty this week to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Around 11:40 p.m. on May 23, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence at 54th Street for a burglary that had just occurred. A male witness reported a suspect later identified as Edward Dugan III, 53, of Leadville, Colorado, had broken a window, reached through the broken window and opened the door of his residence.

The witness told police he chased Dugan down 54th Street where he last saw Dugan pushing elevator buttons at a condo. The OCPD officer responded to the area and pushed the elevator open but-

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ton and located Dugan lying on the floor in the elevator. The officer identified Dugan from his Colorado identification card, but Dugan reportedly told police he was homeless and had no fixed address.

The OCPD officer examined the entry to the victim’s residence and found a glass window near the door had been broken. The victim reportedly told police he was asleep when he awoke to the sound of glass breaking. When the victim went to investigate, he found the front door ajar with Dugan allegedly standing on the porch. It was evident Dugan had broken the window pane in the door and reached through to unlock the door, which is when the victim confronted him.

OCPD officers attempted to interview Dugan, but he became belligerent and yelled and made demands for the officers to gather his belongings. He reportedly

Page 25 yelled “what the [expletive deleted] am I arrested for,” and “I didn’t break the [expletive deleted] window,” according to police reports.

Dugan continued to yell loudly, launching into a string of expletives for about 10 minutes while waiting for the police transport vehicle. Dugan was bleeding from his hand, presumably from breaking the glass window. He also had a laceration on his forehead that only bled worse when he banged on the window of the transport vehicle. Throughout the arrest and booking process, Dugan yelled expletives at the officers and spit on one at one point.

All in all, he was charged with burglary, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct and assault. On Tuesday, Dugan pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Two Political Newcomers File In Ocean City Election

Page 26

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A couple more candidates threw their hats in the ring for November’s municipal election in Ocean City, but the field is far from rounded out as the filing deadline approaches.

Ocean City will hold its general election on Nov. 3 in conjunction with the federal and state elections. This year, the mayor’s seat is up for election along with four at-large City Council seats currently occupied by Council Secretary Mary Knight and Councilmembers Dennis Dare, Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig. The other seats held by incumbents Lloyd Martin, Matt James and Mark Paddack are staggered and will come up for re-election in 2022.

With the Oct. 6 candidate filing deadline approaching, the field of candidates

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

is starting to round out, although there are still questions about the intentions of most of the incumbents. Among the four incumbents whose seats are up, only DeLuca has formally filed thus far. Peter Buas, a lifetime resident who grew up in his family’s hospitality business and is now an attorney, filed for one of the four open council seats.

DeLuca and Buas were joined this week by relative newcomer Nicholas Eastman, who filed for one of the four open council seats. Eastman, a transplant originally from the Gaithersburg, Md. area, said this week he is familiar with Ocean City and the workings of the town government.

“I moved here two years ago and I’m buying a house next week,” he said.

“I’m here to stay. I always came to Ocean City on vacation and spent summers here in college. I’ve always been drawn to this place.”

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As a newcomer, Eastman said he would represent a different segment of the town’s populace than perhaps the incumbents.

“I want the public voice to be heard,” he said. “I want people to let the town know what they want the city to do for them.”

The first challenger to incumbent Mayor Rick Meehan also filed this week.

Daniel Hagan is also a relative newcomer. He said this week he moved to Ocean City full-time a little less than a year ago.

“I’ve never been in politics,” he said.

“I like to debate the issue, agree or disagree. I want to get in there and see what I can do because I think we’re lacking in so many things.”

Hagan said he has witnessed the town’s business community continue to struggle during the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and would challenge the

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state on some of the directives still in place.

“I’m not afraid to stand up to the governor,” he said. “I would challenge the governor on so many things. I see so many small businesses struggling, and I want to see them succeed.”

Other than DeLuca, the other incumbents whose council seats are up for reelection have not made their intentions known yet with the Oct. 6 filing deadline approaching. Next Tuesday is the deadline for any incumbent councilperson to resign if they intend to run for mayor. Although he hasn’t filed, the presumption is Meehan will seek re-election.

Like almost everything else, voting in November’s municipal election in Ocean City will be a little different this year.

Gone will be the traditional booths with voters going behind the curtain and pulling the levers for their favored candidates.

Instead, the town’s Board of Supervisors of Elections are anticipating a large majority of voters to cast their ballots by mail through the absentee ballot process because of the lingering COVID-19 concerns. For those who choose to vote in person, the election will still be held in Hall A of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on November 3, but there will be changes in the election process.

Absentee ballots are traditionally generated at the town level and ballots are mailed and returned to the City Clerk’s office.

This year, however, the board is expecting a large number of absentee ballots that could make it difficult for the board members to tally and announce the results on November 3. The absentee ballots request and application process is spelled out on a link on the town’s government website.

The process on election day itself in Ocean City will be different in other ways this year because of COVID. For example, the traditional voting booths will be replaced with paper ballots filled out at tables in the convention center and fed into scanning machines.

The change is largely in the interest of public safety. Voters will be able to distance socially and each will be provided with his or her own pen, for example. Masks will be required and eliminating the old voting booths will limit interaction and prevent board members and staff from cleaning and disinfecting the booths after every use.

This week, the Mayor and Council approved a recommendation from the Transportation Committee to offer free municipal bus service to the polls at the convention center on election day. The service will be provided from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Passengers will be dropped off at the convention center bus stop on Coastal Highway. Those with ADA needs will be dropped off at the door.

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Criminal Justice Reform Task Force Meets For 1st Time

September 25, 2020

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SALISBURY – Salisbury’s recentlyformed Criminal Justice Reform task force met for the first time this month to begin exploring the city’s police department policies and foster an open relationship with its citizens.

The criminal justice reform task force met last week to begin forming goals for the group going forward. The task force, made up of a cross-section of Salisbury citizens, during its first meeting, agreed on policies for the group’s ultimate recommendations and to learn more about the structure of the Salisbury Police Department (SPD), its operations and its commitment to community policing.

The initial meeting laid the foundation on which the task force will work on the ultimate goal of building a stronger sense of trust and understanding between the police department and the community. The appointed task force members were joined at the first meeting by officials from the City of Salisbury, the SPD and Tri-County Mediation.

Acting in an advisory capacity, members of the task force will serve to foster relationships among the community and its police department by helping to ensure law enforcement remains receptive to the concerns of its citizens they serve and protect. After reviewing the department’s many protocols and policies, members of the task force will procedural recommendations to the Mayor and Chief of Police. For her part, SPD Chief Barbara Duncan welcomes the exercise.

“SPD is eager to work with the task force to help them better understand our procedures and operations, as well as listen to their concerns, consider their recommendations and to build trust between our department and the members of the community which we proudly serve,” she said.

City Administrator Julia Glanz said the criminal justice reform task force was formed recently in response to a similar trend around the country for a closer review of relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect.

“We have a lot of ground to cover in just one year, but the events that have occurred nationwide over the past few months make the urgency of the work this task force is doing even more apparent,” she said. “I have great confidence in the extremely dedicated group of people who have stepped up to represent our community on the criminal justice reform task force and I look forward to working with them.”

The task force convenes via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month and all meetings are open to the public.

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Page 28

FROM PAGE 4 idents, visitors and non-resident property owners to simply stay away this weekend if possible.

“We want to remind our community, and I can’t stress this enough, if you don’t have business in town or a need to drive in town, then don’t,” he said. “Avoid doing so this weekend. For those that will be in Ocean City during this time period, we ask that you respect our community and obey all laws. If you witness any illegal activities during the event, please do not hesitate to call the police.

Our number one priority is the safety of everyone in Ocean City. Let’s work together to keep our community safe.”

A big part of the ramped-up preparations for the pop-up car rally this weekend was better communication and community outreach. To that end, Communications Director and Acting Tourism Director Jessica Waters has been working with the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association and other groups to get a unified message out to visitors about what to expect this weekend.

Included in the outreach efforts was an emailed letter that went out to prospective visitors this week outlining some of the new initiatives and advising their visit this week will likely be impacted by the changes.

“Thank you for choosing to stay with us,” the letter reads. “We can’t wait to welcome you to Ocean City and look for-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ward to your upcoming visit. As you prepare for your stay, we want to make you aware of a large motor event coming to town this weekend. The event is expected to bring excessive noise and increased traffic which may impact your Ocean City experience.”

The letter points out the pop-up car rally is not and has never been sanctioned by the town.

“Please understand this is not a town-sanctioned event and Ocean City does not authorize the actions planned by the social media organizers,” the letter reads. “Our number one priority is the safety of our visitors and the town will be implementing several measures in order to keep you and our community safe.”

The letter essentially reminds visitors to enjoy the amenities they always do in Ocean City, but that the experience will be impacted by the event.

“As always, we want our visitors to have the best experience possible in Ocean City and enjoy everything our beloved beach town has to offer,” the letter reads. “We pride ourselves on being a coastal community that families of all ages can enjoy year-round, but we ask you to exercise caution when visiting the weekend of September 25-28.”

More Cops Than Ever Before For years, the OCPD has relied on

its allied law enforcement neighbors to provide support during certain motorized special events and that will be the case again this week. However, the team will be enhanced by extra officers from other jurisdictions.

The OCPD will be joined this weekend by officers from the Maryland State Police, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office among others.

In addition, the Worcester County Commissioners have authorized a mutual aid agreement with the OCPD allowing for county correctional officers and vehicles to be on hand during the event to help handle arrestees.

Altered Traffic Patterns Perhaps the biggest change this year, although the details are rather cryptic at this point and rightfully so, are planned changes in traffic patterns to eliminate or minimize the disruptive behavior. Of course, the planned obstructions and other traffic alterations will have to be endured by residents and visitors not associated with the motorized events, but the inconvenience might be a small price to pay if they are successful.

Also, for the first time in the history of the motorized special events in the resort, the OCPD and its allied partners will deploy speed bumps in cer-

September 25, 2020

tain areas during the events this fall.

The issue has been raised in the past, particularly for some of the low-riding vehicles in the pop-up car rally, but speed bumps will be deployed this year.

Towing Ordinance Strengthened Another new initiative for this year’s motorized special events is an enhanced towing ordinance, that will allow law enforcement to remove vehicles for a variety of reasons. The Mayor and Council earlier this month approved a series of code amendments that add more teeth to the towing ordinance. One change is if a vehicle is towed to the impound lot, it will have to be towed back out at the expense of the registered owner, essentially doubling the potential towing fees to $900. The OCPD has coordinated with the town’s Public Works department on an expanded impound lot near the Public Safety Building on the site of a piece of property acquired by the town last year roughly adjacent to the existing impound lot.

Enhancing the towing ordinance can only be successful if there are tow trucks available to handle the expected volume. Arrangements have been made on that issue as well. Of course, there will likely be an abundance of tow trucks available to make the initial tows, but they might be less available to tow impounded vehicles back out. Roughly 30 tow companies have been lined up for this week including many from out of the area.

TEAP Gains Wide Support Another tool in the toolbox is the OCPD’s Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program, or TEAP, in which property owners authorize law enforcement to come on their property, particularly when their businesses are closed, and enforce laws and resolve situations without them or their representatives present. After a rather tepid early sign-up period earlier this summer, the OCPD is going into the pop-up rally weekend with roughly 150 local businesses signed up for TEAP. Communication is Key Of course, all of the initiatives combined can only be effective if the town is able to get the word out about the changes, both to residents and visitors and event participants, and there is a plan in place for that as well. There is a whole section on the town’s website dedicated to motorized special events, the enhanced special event zone legislation and what it means, along with frequently asked questions.

It’s essentially a one-stop shop for all questions and concerns about the motorized special events. In addition, postcard mailers were sent out to all property owners outlining some of the changes and providing contact information.

Also new this year from a communications standpoint is a hotline of sorts on which residents and visitors can call in to report incidents, or to get other information about the event in real time.

Waters said she and other staff will be monitoring the hotline around the clock throughout the event.

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Obituaries Ellen Wallace Tingle

PARSONSBURG – Ellen Wallace Tingle (nee Nora Ellen Wallace) of Parsonsburg died Sept. 16, 2020 in Texas.

Ellen, the daughter of Margaret Fisher Wallace and Joseph Wallace, was born Dec. 5, 1936 in Vienna, Md. An only child, family was most important to Ellen and she never missed celebrating holidays, birthdays and other happy occasions. She possessed a sharp wit and a delightful sense of humELLEN or. She was ever plant- WALLACE TINGLE ing, decorating and caring for her gardens and she loved entering and winning many ribbons at the county fairs.

Ellen worked as manager of Howard

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Johnson's Motel in Salisbury and the Eden Roc Motel in Ocean City, was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Parsonsburg and an ardent member of TOPS. Ellen is survived by her husband of 50 years Albert R. Tingle; her children, Donna Jo Patt (Gerald Jr,) Samuel Edward Windsor (Dana), Martha "Marti" Blose (Bradley) and Pamela Green (Steven); her grandchildren Lisa Patt Gennusa O'Connell (Timothy), Gerald Patt III (Susan), Linnea Patt Cipriano (Rocky), Nicholas Windsor, Elle Hatton, Wave Hatton, Steven Blose (Stephanie), Samantha Blose Dodgen (Josh), Steven Salvatore (Trang), Beckett Green and Carson Green; and 12 great grandchildren.

A small graveside service will be held at Bethel Church on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Bethel United Methodist Church at 31810 Old Ocean City Road, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

Delayed because of COVID-19, a Celebration of Life is planned for the spring.

Stanley F. Kahn OCEAN CITY – Stanley F. Kahn, 75, passed away on September 20, 2020.

Born in Winthrop, MA, he was the son of the late Leon Isidore Kahn and Hannah Seaman Kahn.

Stan was a graduate of Admiral Farragut Academy, St. Petersburg, FL, and the University of Florida Gainesville. Throughout his lifetime, he completed a series of continuing education courses, both professional and personal.

Stan proudly served STANLEY F. KAHN our country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Stan moved to Miami Beach where, in 1969 he began his career in the hospitality industry at the Americana Hotel on Miami Beach. He moved on to Hyatt Corporation Miami Beach, and later Orlando, Fla. Stan met the love of his life, Veronica Wolf, in Miami, and in 1973 they were

September 25, 2020 married.

In 1978, Stan came to Ocean City, first working for the Carousel Hotel then The Sheraton, and back to the Carousel until he retired in 2015. In 1979, Stan and Veronica became parents of their precious son, Paul Matthew Kahn.

He joined Beth Israel Synagogue in Salisbury where he served on the Board of Directors. He was a founding member of Temple Bat Yam in Berlin.

Stan’s community and professional involvement in Ocean City included Leader-Den 7 Cub Scout Pack 261; President Maryland Tourism Council, Chairman Governor’s Conference on Tourism; Board of Directors Maryland Hotel and Motel Association; President Ocean City Chamber of Commerce; President Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association; Board of Directors Atlantic General Hospital Foundation; Wor-Wic Community College Advisory Board; Board of Directors Ocean City Paramedics; President and Paul Harris Fellow Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club.

Stan was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed playing tennis and jogging, and in later years he became an avid walker. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and the Miami Dolphins. Stan was a super positive thinker, and a supportive friend. He could, and often did, strike up a conversation with anyone. Nevertheless, his top priority in life was always the well-being of his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Veronica; his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Felecia; his brother Joseph and wife Phyllis of Vista, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by brothers, Myron (Helaine) and Howard (Dorothy).

The Talmud teaches that even a truly righteous person must eventually die as death is inevitable. God however does not want to let the truly righteous leave this world, but rather wants to cling on to every second of having such a person on earth. When such a person's name is not written in the Book of Life for the next year to come God waits until the very last second until the New Year begins, and only then allows the Angel of Death to descend. Thus a truly righteous person breathes his or her last breath and their soul departs on Rosh Hashana, the New Year.

Services were live streamed on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Interment with Military Honors followed at Beth Israel Cemetery in Salisbury. A Shiva service for Stanley was held on Zoom on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. and will be held Saturday at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Temple Bat Yam, 11036 Worcester Hwy., Berlin, Md. 21811, or Coastal Hospice at the Ocean P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21803. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Frank William Ernst Sr. OCEAN PINES – Frank (Bo) William Ernst Sr., formerly of Essex, retired in Ocean Pines, departed this world on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020.

He was an avid outdoorsman.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Doris Mae Ernst (nee SchulSEE NEXT PAGE

. . Obituaries

September 25, 2020

tze); two children, Frank William Ernst, Jr. and his wife Leane and Dana L. Ernst; and six grandchildren, Chelsea Leigh, Brianna Leigh, and Dalton Tyler Ernst, and Emma Caroline, Timothy Bryce and Sarah Grace Youngmann. He is also survived by his siblings, Charles (Peck) Ernst, Melvin Ernst and Ardra Collins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise L. Ernst.

Interment is private. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. To send condolences to the family, visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Matt Cooper The celebration of life for Matt Cooper will be held at Denise and Matt’s home on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

A visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with a service to follow at 3 p.m. Matt loved his home, so this is a fitting tribute in true Matt fashion. The family asks that you dress very casual, with bright, vibrant colors, just as he always did. This celebration is for all of us as we remember his smile, his laugh, and his loud, fast-talking voice.

As always, at their home, MATT COOPER there will be plenty of food and drink available. Many memories will be shared with everyone. There is no doubt we will hear him say “Are you kidding me.”

Stanley J. Zielinski SELBYVILLE – Stanley J. Zielinski, age 76, of Selbyville and formerly of Ocean City, died Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at University Of MD Medical Center in Baltimore.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. and was the son of the late Stanley M. and Elizabeth (Suder) Zielinski.

He was a graduate of LaSalle University and retired from a long career in management. He was Plant Manager for Coca-Cola for many years before transitioning to Vice President at Vlasic Foods. He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, Knights of Co- STANLEY J. lumbus, NRA and was ZIELINSKI very active in the Ocean City Elks.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maryanne Zielinski of Selbyville; three sons, Stanley M. Zielinski and wife Jodie of Marlton, N.J., Gregory F. Zielinski of Sacramento, Calif. and Christopher R. Zielinski and wife Emily of St. Louis, Mo.; a brother and a sister, Robert W. Zielinski and Susan M. Shaw both of Philadelphia; a grandson, Zachary Zielinski; and a granddaughter on the way.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Zielinski.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn.

38105.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

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September 25, 2020

September 25, 2020

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parents launch petition effort to Reverse longer school day change

Page 34

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – An online petition aims to reverse school hour changes made by Worcester County Public Schools.

In response to the news that school day hours would be extended at some northern Worcester County schools, parents are now signing an online petition asking for the changes to be reversed.

“While I understand how important education is, the extension of school hours for children is too long,” writes parent Heather Parenti on the petition page. “Please put school hours back to the way they used to be! An extra 50 minutes is too long for kids. Not to mention they won’t be home until dark.”

According to Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, the change was made this summer.

“The adjustments made for those schools in the northern region were to bus arrival and departure times,” she

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said. “This change was implemented to maximize the time students were already present in school for instruction.”

She said the adjustment at Stephen Decatur High School, for example, changed the bus arrival time period from 7:15-7:50 a.m. to 7:20-7:30 a.m. and the bus departure period from 2:473:05 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. For Stephen Decatur Middle School, bus arrival times will now be 7:20 a.m. (from 7:15-7:35 a.m.) and departure will be 2:40 p.m. (from 2:50-3 p.m.). At Berlin Intermediate School, buses will now arrive at 7:35 a.m. (from 7:25-7:45 a.m.) and leave at 2:55 p.m. (from 2:38-2:42 p.m.)

At the elementary school level, the before adjustment times varied but all bus riders will now be arriving at school later at 8:50 a.m. and departing later at 4:10 p.m. (compared to an average of 8:30 a.m. arrival and 3:40 departure previously).

“As you can see the adjustment shortens those bus arrival/departure windows to maximize instructional time,” Sterrs said. “At the elementary level, the

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bus arrival and departure times were narrowed as with the high school example but were also shifted by 5-10 minutes to accommodate the double runs of our bus fleet.”

Parenti, however, started the online petition a week ago because of concerns about the changes. So far, about

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140 people have signed it. Parenti wrote on the petition Friday that she’d spoken with Dee Shorts, chief academic officer for prekindergarten through eighth grade.

“She apologized that this was not properly communicated to parents,” Parenti wrote. “I was told that this was done due to the staggering buses and that the kids were losing instructional time because of it. Now all the buses will be able to get there on time… There has to be another solution to the bus situation! Our children do not need more instructional time they need time to just simply be kids.”

When asked if the change was COVID-19 related, Sterrs said it was not.

“This has been a change a few years in the making,” she said. “The shift in times was primarily communicated directly to families by the affected schools, as the times vary from school to school, and we didn't want families confused by providing them with all the times in a single countylevel communication… this was an adjustment just for the northern region schools, but it is to address a discrepancy in instructional time between the northern schools and those in the Snow Hill and Pocomoke areas. This adjustment brings the schools' instructional times in line with the rest of the county.”

Arrest Made After Downtown Attack Charges Filed In Roommate Assault

September 25, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A West Virginia man was arrested on first-degree assault charges last weekend after allegedly striking a female in the head with a metal flashlight during an altercation in the parking lot of a Boardwalk bar.

Last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of a Boardwalk bar for a reported assault in progress. Officers detained the involved parties and observed Paul McDaniel, 47, of Harper’s Ferry, West Va., in possession of the top half of a metal detector, according to police reports.

An officer met with a female victim who was reportedly bleeding severely from her forehead and the top of her head. The victim told police she had been struck in the head with an unknown cylindrical object.

The victim reportedly told police she had left the bar with two friends, and as they were leaving, they observed McDaniel and his wife arguing with other citizens in the area.

The victim told police she heard someone yell a racial slur and that her friend attempted to intervene, but was attacked by a female. The victim’s friend was reportedly punched so hard that her knees buckled and she fell to the ground.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The victim told police she reached down to attempt to help her friend get up when she was struck in the head from behind by an unknown object.

Officers observed four individuals fleeing from the scene on foot through a nearby alleyway. Among those fleeing the scene was McDaniel, according to police reports. In a parking lot behind the bar, OCPD officers located several parts to a metal detector scattered about. OCPD officers also located a green metal flashlight on the ground near where the victim had been lying. A light brown hair matching the hair color of the victim was located on the flashlight.

Officers interviewed McDaniel, who reportedly told police his wife was being attacked during the incident and he was attempting to defend her. The victim was brought over to attempt to identify her attacker among the four individuals being detained, but could not say with certainty if McDaniel had been the one who struck her.

However, a third member of the victim’s group was reportedly sober and witnessed the entire incident. That witness told police he was positive it was McDaniel who had hit the victim in the head from behind.

The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of the injuries to her head. McDaniel was released after posting a $10,000 bond.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man is being held this week on rape and other charges after an alleged sexual assault of his female roommate.

On Sept. 12, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) detective began an investigation into an alleged rape that had occurred two days earlier at a downtown residence. The detective met with the female victim at Atlantic General Hospital.

According to police reports, the victim told the detective she had been sexually assaulted by her roommate, identified as Alex Alexis, 31, of Ocean City, in the living room of their downtown residence.

The victim reportedly told police she was not romantically involved with Alexis, but rather they each had their own bedrooms and shared the common areas such as the living room and kitchen, for example. The victim told police around noon on Sept. 10, she walked her boyfriend out to his vehicle as he was leaving. The victim said she believed Alexis was in his bedroom because she had not seen him in the common areas.

When she re-entered the unit, Alexis was reportedly sitting on the living room couch. The victim told police Alexis wanted to speak to her, but she ignored him and walked to her bed-

Page 35

room and eventually fell asleep. The victim reportedly told police she awoke roughly an hour later and went to use the restroom when Alexis asked again to speak with her.

The victim told police she walked toward the living room to speak with Alexis, but when she turned the corner, Alexis forced himself on her and into non-consensual intercourse. The victim told police she was crying and attempting to scream throughout the entire incident.

The victim said after the alleged incident, she retreated to her bedroom and Alexis left the unit and did not return.

According to police reports, shortly after the victim met with police, Alexis contacted the OCPD Communications Center and advised he would be willing to speak with an officer over the phone, but that he would not meet in person, nor would he disclose his location. The detective attempted to call Alexis at least three times to no avail, according to police reports.

Based on the investigation, the detective filed for charges of second-degree rape, third-degree sex offense, fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault against Alexis.

About a week later last Saturday, Alexis was located and taken into custody. He was being held without bond this week after a bail review hearing on Monday.

Public Safety Complex Update Highlights Shortfall

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – How the county would fund a significant shortfall in the construction of a new public safety complex was the question that drove much of last week’s discussion with department heads and lead architects.

Last Tuesday, representatives with the county’s purchasing department and sheriff’s office and architects with MW Studios met with the Wicomico County Council to discuss the construction of a new public safety building, which will be located on an 8-acre site at the corner of Westwood Drive and Naylor Mill Road in Salisbury.

County Purchasing Agent Nicholas Rice told council members last week the construction of the new complex would be divided into two phases.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Sheriff’s Office Project Estimated To Cost $28 Million In First Phase

The first phase, which would be the construction of a new Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, includes roughly 58,000 square feet at an estimated cost of nearly $28 million. The second phase, which would be the construction of an emergency services department and 911 call center, includes 20,000 square feet at an estimated cost of nearly $8 million.

In the fall of 2018, a feasibility study was completed for the new public safety complex. And that November, the county purchased the 8-acre site on which to construct the facility.

“Geographically, we are centrally located,” Sheriff Mike Lewis told council members last week. “The bulk of our calls for service are actually on the west side.

So that puts us right in the backyard and would cut down dramatically on our response time.”

The following year, MW Studios was awarded the project after the county issued a request for proposals. In his presentation last week, MW Studios Principal Rob Mann highlighted the project’s cost – which had increased from the initial feasibility study – and the building’s pro-

September 25, 2020

posed design.

“I’d like to use this term of transparent fortress,” he said. “We certainly want the law enforcement officials and civilian staff that are working in that building to be safe and secured from those wishing to do them harm, but it’s equally important that we get away from the police station design language and character of the buildings that in the 60s, 70s and 80s were more penitentiary in look and more offputting as opposed to inviting and encouraging interaction with the community.”

Mann said the public safety complex – which included offices, a training room, processing area, dispatch area and bunk facilities, among other things – was meant to serve the community for well over 50 years.

Councilman John Cannon, however, was the first to share his concerns regarding the scope of the project. He said the county had allotted funding in its capital improvement plan for a new sheriff’s office, but not an emergency services center. Officials also noted the county had not planned for the new sheriff’s office to cost $28 million.

“It’s confused me on how we are taking this and distilling it into what the county can afford,” Cannon said. “The emergency services has never been in the CIP.” Mann said he had shared concerns about the budget with county administration early in the process. He said he believed the county’s budget for the project to be too low.

“That’s the impetus for this briefing and this meeting …,” he said. “All I can say with complete transparency and honesty is that when we had these initial conversations we felt like with the previous executive that the budget was inadequate for what the needs were going to yield.”

Councilman Ernie Davis said the county had originally planned for a $10 million project. But when a $21 million cost estimate was brought to the council at the outset, officials were told to go back to the drawing board.

“We’ve never been updated until this point …,” he said. “You drop it in our lap at the last minute … That’s why the money isn’t there.”

Lewis attributed the confusion to a lack of communication between the executive and legislative branches.

“This is what happens when you don’t have that collaboration,” he said. “We were well aware of what was going on and welcomed this opportunity to address the men and women of this council, to bring you up to speed on where we are.

This is what we’ve been waiting for, we’ve been wanting to do this. But I can’t tell the county executive what to do, nor the county administrator.”

After further discussion, the council directed staff to work with Director of Administration John Psota and Finance Director Pam Oland to begin planning for the additional cost. Rice noted the county has allotted $16 million for the project to date.

“I don’t see where this money exists right now,” Cannon said. “We have a lot of reserves and maybe that’s something we could look at. I would like to say let’s get it done … I do think we have to carefully think about where we are headed.”

Berlin Council Candidates Talk Taxes

September 25, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Those vying for town council seats in next month’s election criticized last year’s 18% tax increase and have promised to scrutinize Berlin’s future budgets.

Candidates for the District 2, 3 and at-large council seats were united in their commitment to being fiscal watchdogs in the wake of last year’s tax and rate increases.

“I understand the current administration is working on a quarterly report for the council,” District 2 candidate Jack Orris said. “Not only would I hope to see a monthly report, I’d like to review those reports and then find a way to get that information out to the public and the residents.”

As each of the town’s mayoral candidates indicated there was in fact no need for a tax increase this coming year — in spite of the fact that one was proposed in 2020 before being dropped due to COVID-19 — council candidates offered similar comments during an online town hall hosted by this newspaper on Tuesday.

“Given the current climate we’re kind of stunned with the COVID thing,” District 3 candidate Daniel Packey said. “I don’t think this is the time to put additional burdens on either people or businesses. I think that what we need to do is review the current budget and look for efficiency gains or cost cutting measures and do it that way.”

He added that the town should launch reviews of its equipment and contracts in addition to aggressively pursuing grants.

Fellow District 3 candidate Shaneka Nichols agreed.

“I think that visiting the current spending, visiting what we have going on right now, is the way to look at how to move forward with this,” she said. “I wouldn’t say that going into the next term that I would ask or that I would agree wholeheartedly with a tax increase. I think that we need to look at alternate ways of moving forward without taxing the town or the community first.”

Orris advocated for finding a way to give the public more insight on the town’s financials.

“I’d like to develop a mechanism that gives a snapshot of the budget throughout the budget year and then maybe through a newsletter or electronic means,” he said, adding that he didn’t think a tax increase was necessary.

At-large candidate Tony Weeg said he would not support raising taxes willynilly.

“Any 12-year-old system — I look at this as a 12-year-old system — has things that could become more efficient,” he said. “No slight to anything that the mayor’s done, you know there are questionable things all over the place, and that have sort of sacked our budget at this point—and our reserve policy, but we’ll get to that later—but the reality is that I don’t want to be in the business of covering any bad mistakes by a town and the coun-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

cil and the mayor by taxes on the people. That doesn’t make sense.”

Jay Knerr, also an at-large candidate, called for careful planning to avoid substantial tax increases like the one experienced by residents last year.

“It was that tax increase that prompted me to run for the at-large seat,” Knerr said. “It upset me so much in the way it was handled, it just should have never happened that way. We can always look at cost cutting measures within the various departments and apply them as necessary but more importantly, we need to have a five-year plan. Budgeting year to year is fine but for a town the size of Berlin we need to plan ahead, we need to think ahead and look at where we’re going to be in five years and how our money’s going to flow.”

Citizens will have the opportunity to vote for their choice of mayor and council representative in the municipal elec-

Page 37

Participating in an online Berlin Town Council forum Tuesday were The Dispatch Staff Writer Charlene Sharpe and Editor Steve Green and candidates Daniel Packey, Tony Weeg, Jay Knerr, Jack Orris and Shaneka Nichols.

File Photo

tion on Oct. 6.

As a result of COVID-19, absentee voting is encouraged and social distancing measures will be in place at polling locations. Voters at the polls will also

have to wear face coverings.

To view the complete candidate town hall Zoom sessions hosted by The Dispatch, visit the paper’s website or social media pages.

Annual Beauty Spot Award Winners Announced Teacher Sentenced

Page 38

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

NEWS EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Although the format was a little different this year, the Mayor and Council on Monday doled out the Beautification Committee’s annual Beauty Spot awards to various deserving property owners.

Each year, the Beautification Committee sponsor the awards to recognize efforts of property owners who contribute to the town’s aesthetics through exceptional maintenance of their homes, condos and businesses. The committee accepts nominations for potential beauty spot properties through mid-summer.

Committee members then review the nominated properties and utilize a rating system to assign points to the eventual winners.

The awards are based on a number

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of factors that contribute to the property as a whole. The judging is based on such factors as the percentage of flowers and ground cover, the percentage of trees, shrubs and grasses and creative landscaping. In some cases, efforts to disguise unattractive areas of a property are recognized.

Typically, Beautification Committee Chair Donna Greenwood presents the annual Beauty Spot awards to the winners in various categories in person along with pictures of the winning properties. However, with the Mayor and Council meeting virtually through Zoom again this week for at least one more session, Mayor Rick Meehan announced the winners in the virtual format.

Eight winners were announced in the residential category, including the Houghs at Marlin Drive, the Nocks at Atlantic Avenue, the Shorts at Atlantic Avenue, the

Taylors at 142nd Street, Kay Ayres at Baltimore Avenue, Will Esham at 14th Street, the Jahnkes at Fountain Road and the Steinbergs at 68th Street.

In the motel category, the Mayflower Apartments on Baltimore Avenue was the lone representative. In the hotel category, the Commander Hotel at 14th Street was recognized, the Holiday Inn and Suites at 17th Street was recognized and the Comfort Inn at 5th Street was honored.

In the condominium category, the Braemar Towers, the Fisherman’s Village and the Vogels and Clarks were recognized. The Kite Loft was the lone representative in the retail category, while three restaurants were honored including Ristoranti Antipasti, the Hobbit and Franco’s Pizza and Bar. There were two special awards this year including the First Presbyterian Church and the 122nd Street dune crossing.

September 25, 2020

For Pupil Drug Ask

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

NEWS EDITOR

SALISBURY – A Bennett High School teacher charged last December with attempting to possess a controlled dangerous substance and contributing to the condition of a child after allegedly attempting to purchase medication from a student is serving jail time this week after entering a plea arrangement.

Last Dec. 9, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation into a reported CDS violation involving a teacher soliciting a student for prescribed medication. The investigation revealed the suspect, Elizabeth Day, 30, of Salisbury, who is the wife of Salisbury Mayor Jake Day, allegedly solicited a 16year-old student to purchase two ADHD pills for $20.

Day was a physical education teacher at James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury at the time of the incident and the student was enrolled at the high school. Day was placed on administrative leave following her arrest last December and her current employment status is not known.

Last Friday, Day entered an Alford plea to one count of attempted possession of Adderall, a controlled dangerous substance. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not plead guilty, but acknowledges the state has enough evidence to prosecute the case.

As part of the plea arrangement, the charge of contributing to the condition of a child was dismissed. Day was sentenced to 10 days of active incarceration, a sentence she began last Friday. The District Court judge granted the defense’s motion to modify the sentence to probation before judgment upon the completion of her period of incarceration, a motion to which the state objected. Probation before judgment is not considered a conviction under Maryland law.

Through her attorney John Phoebus, Day issued a statement.

“I want to formally apologize for my poor decision in asking a student for ADHD medication,” she said in a statement. “I take full responsibility for my actions. To the student and her family, my own family, and anyone else I hurt, I am sorry. As I was preparing to defend my dissertation for my doctorate, I was having trouble focusing and told my counselor and she diagnosed me with ADD and recommended medication to my general doctor. In my impatience and stress, while having to wait to get into my doctor’s office, I asked a student. I recognize this was wrong and the medicine was never exchang ed. Contrary to what was published in December, I have never struggled with drug use and thank God for his protection. I have repented and am grateful to the Lord for his forgiveness and mercy.”

Fenwick Offers Details After Former Police Chief’s Sentencing

September 25, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Additional information on the events resulting in the indictment of Fenwick Island’s former police chief came to light this week after he pleaded guilty to official misconduct and falsifying business records.

On Thursday, Fenwick Island’s new chief of police, John Devlin, issued a statement detailing the events that led to the resignation and indictment of former Police Chief William Boyden, who pleaded guilty this week for his role in submitting false reports about his firearms certification that allowed him to remain in his official capacity.

In August, a Delaware grand jury indicted Boyden – a 17-year employee of the Fenwick Island Police Department (FIPD) – on charges of official misconduct and falsifying business records after he knowingly submitting false reports to the Delaware Council on Police Training (COPT) indicating he had been certified in firearms. According to the indictment, the offenses occurred on or between Feb. 3, 2014 and March 4, 2020, during his tenure as Fenwick Island’s police chief.

Following this week’s conclusion of the case, Devlin – who was sworn in as the new police chief earlier this month – provided additional information on the events that led to Boyden’s indictment,

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from questionable documentation that was discovered in May to the town’s involvement with the investigation.

“In May of this year, questionable documentation was discovered in the training records of Police Chief William Boyden,” the statement reads. “Irregularities were noted in the mandatory annual training program as regulated by the State of Delaware, Council on Police Training. FIPD supervisory staff members took immediate action and notified Town officials of what appeared to be false entries on official forms. As a result, Chief Boyden was immediately placed on administrative leave and appropriate notifications were made to begin a thorough and independent investigation of the facts.”

Devlin wrote that COPT administrative staff and the Office of the Attorney General investigated the matter. During the investigation, he said, Boyden chose to depart from the police department.

“The Fenwick Island Police Department, Town Employees and Town Officials have fully cooperated with the investigation of former Police Chief Boyden,” the statement reads. “The resolved case against him is another step toward accountability and transparency as it relates to this regrettable event.”

Devlin said the police department was deferring all comments regarding criminal conduct to the attorney general’s office. But he noted Boyden’s in-

dictment and guilty plea was not a reflection of any larger issues within the police department.

“To be clear, this was an individual failure and not a reflection of an organizational problem,” the statement reads.

“The agency made the discovery, reported the issue, and actively supported this review. Going forward, additional mechanisms of oversight have been adopted to prevent a future occurrence of similar behavior. A comprehensive policy review will follow in an effort to identify other areas of potential improvement. The FIPD is a team of profession-

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al and hard-working public servants.

Residents and visitors to Fenwick Island can expect our officers to continue their proud history of delivering superior service and providing a safe environment to live, work, and thrive.”

For each offense, Boyden was sentenced to one year in prison, which was suspended for one concurrent year of Level 2 probation, and issued a suspended fine of $100, according to a statement issued by the Delaware Department of Justice on Wednesday. Boyden has also agreed to no longer work in a law enforcement capacity.

… Mayor, Council Candidates Weigh In On Growth Issues

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FROM PAGE 12 come a community only affordable to the well to do. But responsible growth keeps that from happening. Reasonable and responsible growth is good for our community, not only today but in our future. I think it’s a matter of annexing at the right time in the right place for the right thing. I think that’s what we’ve been doing and we need to continue. I’d like to see boundaries that are set up for where we should be in 20 years, where we should aim for in 50 years, where should we be by the end of the century.

And those plans, to have growth boundaries, so that we know where the areas are that we want to grow, this also eliminates the conflict that we would be otherwise creating where it’s, think the county’s going to say no to business and residential development immediately next to town if Berlin does not responsibly annex those areas? That’s how sprawl happened in the last century between Baltimore and Washington.

The towns didn’t annex so the counties just built right around them. You can’t tell where one town begins and another ends. I think that’s something that needs to be taken into account here. It’s not a simple situation, you have to look at each annexation separately, I think we all agree on that. The idea that annexation is either all good or all bad is just too simplified. I think we have a good track record there and I’d like to see us continue.”

Ron Bireley: “I’m not against annexation at all. In this particular case that you’re discussing, those two projects are coming in, we should be able to control those projects. We know what’s coming so consequently if we know what’s coming we can control them. We should be charging them. We should be taxing them appropriately. One thing that I wish to point out, if someone wanted to locate to this area and put something undesirable up next to our border, they could do it through the county if it was zoned for that purpose. So consequently I think if anything, we want to expand just a little bit more so we control that and do not permit that to happen.”

Jennifer Allen: “I don’t know if you all know this but I’m one of the people that

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walked that annexation petition around last year. We need the town people to have more of a say and not be dictated by the local good old boys network and the county. I agree with Mr. Cascio, in his recent article in The Dispatch, when he said the town needs to have a proper discussion regarding growth. I quote him as saying it is true that we have water, the sewer, but we also have some power as the people of Berlin. If we are unable to do a public forum perhaps we need to mail out a survey or use SurveyMonkey to get the feel of community members. Annexation affects everybody in this community and this community should be able to make a discussion and decide for themselves what they would like to see happen to Berlin. I would also like to investigate what properties are available within the town that have yet to be developed because we have spent all this money to get them in and annexed, but I don’t see them building anything. I’d like to know what properties are sitting there undeveloped and what the plan is for when they’re going to be developed. We also need a full review of water and sewer capacity before we continue with anymore annexations. As Zack said we do not have the funds to bring in more water and more sewerage to this town at this point in time.”

Town Council Candidates Tony Weeg: “One of my favorite topics because this is the one that everyone brings up to me first. With that said, my stance on annexations of the Town of Berlin are we need to put that question to the people when an annexation is requested. I believe a developer financed annexation referendum is maybe one of the only referendums we should even have in our code so that annexations are truly a decision of the people. I can listen to everybody, I can listen to the people, but if I can’t get to all of them and I don’t hear all of their opinions then I’m not doing a great job but a referendum may get a bigger swath of people. One of the biggest problems with that is getting people to show up to vote for those referendums.

One of the things I know I’m capable of doing is getting interest, keeping interest and using the various mediums we

have to get people to vote. I look forward to this election being one of the highest turnouts because of all these great people. I think that same fervor is going to happen with annexation referendums. So for me, growth needs to be sustainable and annexations should be townspeople referendums not the choice of the majority of the council.”

Jay Knerr: “Growth in any community takes smart planning. We need to decide as a community do we want to annex more land or do we want to advocate for more infill development within the properties that are already located within our town limits. Any annexation considered should be on a caseby-case measure. It has to make sense for the Town of Berlin and not just because a developer wants it. So we need to be careful about it, we need to be smart about it and we need to poll the citizens of Berlin and ask them what would they like to see the future of our town become. We need to explain annexation, we need to explain the cost of growth. From there we can make calculated smart decisions. I do not believe it should go to referendum. That’s why we’re elected. But we can take the people’s opinions into consideration and plan for the future for sure.”

Shaneka Nichols: “Growth and annexation. Growth is inevitable. Growth is going to happen. Annexation I feel needs to be dealt with on a case-bycase basis. Growth I feel should start within. I think that before we, I know it should be on a case by case basis annexation, but before we look into allowing the growth on the outskirts of town there’s plenty of areas within town we should look at exploring first. But I think that listening to the community, a lot of people within the community are questioning annexation. Reasons for, what does that mean for them as citizens of the town as things are being annexed in, how that’s going to affect us as a whole in the future. Taking those things into consideration should definitely be a part of the decision making when it comes to further annexation.”

Daniel Packey: “For the last couple years, the population’s been growing about 1%. So we have a little bit of time.

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I think that when you talk about annexation I agree with everybody else that if it’s going to affect property values of the city’s residents, the town’s residents, that they have a say in it. I think that if you’re talking about commercial annexation, annexation for commercial properties, that those properties that are brought in should have a consistent theme with the rest of the town. You don’t want to just have a sprawl of less visibly desirable commercial buildings out there that destroys the value in town. Right things right places. Take a calm measured approach looking at it case by case. Not just a blanket to allow anything in. If you talk about residential growth in terms of housing we need to think about the attractiveness of single family units versus apartment buildings. I think we should treat those two things different.”

Jack Orris: “I believe this is a time of growing pains, for a small town coming into its own in the 21st century. Yes we absolutely do need to address growth but, number one, not at the expense of our charm. The comprehensive plan, it’s a living document. And that’s why we should really look at it annually. Maybe not a full overhaul but we should be willing to accept constructive review anytime from any resident or members of the council. As we approach the next review that’s coming up I think we should take another look at what we have, where are opportunities for reasonable and responsible growth, and how do we want our town to look moving forward. I think it’s important to point out here that some folks might not be aware that there’s really two opportunities to see what’s going on with potential growth. The planning commission and of course the mayor and council meetings during public hearings.

Sometimes I get the feeling people think that the mayor and council public hearing is the only place that it’s talked about and that’s not necessarily true, it’s at the planning commission. But that kind of ties back in with communication.

I mentioned earlier that I want to make sure I can, the best that I can, make everyone aware of the meetings, the annexation proposals and growth.”

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Tickets Available WPS Announces Six Commended Students For Film Festival

September 25, 2020

BERLIN – On Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7-9 p.m., the Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) will live stream the acclaimed Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF) to your home screen.

Each year, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is recognized for its cinematography and messaging, and this year ACT has selected a lineup of films that will highlight the importance of community.

This year’s WSFF will look a little different, as a public event will not take place, but tickets will include a six-day ondemand access pass to the full program.

A few of the 17 films being shown this year include the following: Daniel, a story that follows one man through the Lake Tahoe community as he bikes through town every day, taking care of his environment and warming the hearts of those that pass him by.

Land Without Evil, an artistic portrayal of paradise that begs the question, “what is the real paradise that is inside us and lies in the harmony and unity of everything alive?”

Where The Wild Things Keep Playing, “an ode to the athlete who relishes in getting dirty, who chuckles after a long day in the mountains, effortlessly glides through the crystal clear waves and most importantly, is unapologetic in pursuing their love of getting rowdy in adventures.”

“Our lineup this year embodies the importance of knowing your land,” said ACT Board President Jim Rapp about the program. “From its day to day weather and long term climate, its distinguished spaces of Nature, the array of environmental challenges that all of our lands face, and the community character that comprises that land, ACT’s 2020 Wild & Scenic Film Festival will bring our local area together in ways that we never thought possible.”

Rapp added, “Amidst a global pandemic that has seemingly forbidden people to gather for a common purpose, we hope that you will join us this autumn as we celebrate all those that understand the human race’s place in this world, through the cinematic lens.”

Tickets and full details are available at www.ActForBays.org/WSFF.

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BERLIN – Worcester Preparatory Head of School Dr. John McDonald has announced Daniel Chen, Waverly Choy, Sophia Ludt, Hannah Perdue, Joseph Schwartz and Summer Walker have been named Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by McDonald to these scholastically talented seniors.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable

Page 41

Pictured, from left, are Head of School Dr. John McDonald, WPS Commended Students Daniel Chen, Sophia Ludt, Summer Walker, Waverly Choy, Hannah Perdue, Joseph Schwartz and Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School Mike Grosso.

Submitted Photo

national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence

in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Trimper’s To Host First SunFunOC Event Next Weekend

Page 42

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – While Sunfest has been canceled this year, a resort business is planning a new festival for the first weekend in October.

Next weekend, Trimper’s Rides will hold its first annual SunFunOC festival.

From Oct. 2-4, the amusement park will host more than 30 arts and crafts vendors and offer $2 games, rides and food all day.

“In the spirit of Sunfest we created a new festival,” said Trimper’s Rides President Antoinette Bruno, “and we are go-

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ing to do it every year.”

In August, the Mayor and Council canceled Sunfest because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. In its place, Special Events Director Frank Miller pitched an alternative SunLITE festival.

Similar to the annual Sunfest event, the scaled-down SunLITE festival featured arts and crafts vendors, but at various outdoor venues throughout the resort. But when the town received a lackluster response from vendors and resort businesses, the concept was shelved for 2020.

Bruno said the park worked closely with Miller to come up with ideas for the

September 25, 2020

proposed SunLITE festival. For example, Trimper’s worked with a developer to create a Bingo game that encouraged SunLITE participants to visit various resort businesses for an opportunity to win prizes.

But when SunLITE concept was scrubbed, Bruno said Trimper’s decided to host a special event of its own.

“We put so much effort into it that we decided to go it alone and created SunFunOC,” she said. “We did this because we felt like visitors still had hotel reservations without something to do.”

From noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Trimper’s will offer $2 games, rides and food and Marty’s Playland will offer 50% off video games. Inlet Village will also host a sidewalk sale, while Nana’s Hot Chicken – located in the center of Trimper’s outdoor rides – will offer $2 Chicken on a Stick, homemade cookies, cake pops, iced tea, and mini Big Wheels.

“We’re also planning a band one day,

karaoke another day and a DJ one day,” Bruno said. “So there will be lots of entertainment all weekend.”

On South 1st Street, the park will host arts and crafts vendors, including Art Sea, Maret Maiste, J.L. Schlegel, Avante Painting, Pooley Glass Engravers, Green Bead Glass, Swirly Bracelets, Something4Me Jewelry and Silver Mine, to name a few.

“We have 103,000 square feet and that’s just in the amusement park alone,” Bruno said. “That doesn’t even count South 1st Street. We can safely host 20,000 people in the park and still be COVID friendly … We have a lot of space and welcome any Ocean City businesses that want to participate.”

For more information, or to become a vendor, visit www.sunfunoc.com or call Trimper’s Rides at 410-289-8617.

While the festival will take place from noon to 5 p.m. throughout the weekend, Bruno said Trimper’s will stay open as long as people are in the park.

OCEAN CITY – Special Event Productions, Inc. confirmed this week the fall Cruisin event is still being planned for the weekend of Oct. 8-11.

“There will be additional safety measures in place, including facemasks and social distancing, to help stop the spread of COVID 19. Beautiful hot rods, customs,

classics and more will be showcasing their rides at both the Inlet and convention center as well as taking part in the famous Boardwalk parades,” a press release reported this week. “Special guest Aaron Kaufman will be at the Inlet on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. meeting and greeting fans.”

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September 25, 2020

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Page 44

Wicomico Appoints New Finance Head In Unanimous Vote

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 25, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Beeping And Greeting: The first grade team at Ocean City Elementary held a Beep and Greet on Sept. 11 so students and their families could drive by and meet their new teachers.

Submitted Photo

SALISBURY – County officials this month appointed Pam Oland as the new finance director for Wicomico County.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to appoint Oland as the county’s director of finance.

“I appreciate the opportunity that you guys have presented to me,” Oland said, “and I hope I can provide council information as they request it to the best of my ability.”

Oland, who began working for Wicomico County seven years ago, most recently served as the deputy director of recreation, parks and tourism. In that role, she oversaw the financial activities of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, marinas and other tourism and recreation events.

Prior to her employment with the county, Oland worked in both corporate and public accounting. She also served as the internal services director for the City of Salisbury, where she assisted with budget preparation, financial documentation for bond issuance, completion of annual audits, and coordination with Wicomico County regarding shared services.

Oland – a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a certified public accountant – will lead the finance department in preparing and maintaining the county’s operating and capital budgets. Her predecessor, Michele Ennis, resigned from the position last month after a turbulent tenure.

In May of 2019, former County Executive Bob Culver named Ennis as the new finance director. And although her appointment was rejected by the council that following June, she continued to serve in that role, causing contention between the legislative and executive branches.

In March, for example, the council voted to table two resolutions that would have transferred funds for two projects after arguing the county had no duly appointed finance director who could certify the appropriations. And without a certified county finance director, the county could not go to the bond market to secure funding for capital projects.

Immediately following Oland’s appointment Tuesday, the council voted to introduce a $16,437,654 bond bill, which includes $5,189,500 for the new public safety building, $7,080,688 for the replacement of Beaver Run Elementary School and $2,500,000 for an addition and renovation of Mardela Middle and High School, among other things.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m.

First-Ever Marine Debris Cleanup Event Announced

September 25, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

WEST OCEAN CITY – Community members are encouraged to come out and participate in an inaugural marine debris cleanup event next month.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) – in partnership with Blue Water and Pure Lure Reel Fishing Gear – will host its first annual Marine Debris Plunder.

As part of the event, organizers are seeking volunteers by boat and land to help clean up marine debris. Participants will then return their “loot” to the West Ocean City marina for a chance to win recognition and trophies.

“COVID has brought a lot of craziness to town and a lot of trash, more than we’ve ever seen,” said MCBP Outreach and Marketing Coordinator Sandi Smith. “Our fear is that it could be in the bays as well. So we thought why not coordinate something after the summer season to engage the community in a feel-good event that also helps clean up the mess that people left behind.

Hopefully with this cleanup we’ll be able to promote the fact that the community can make a difference.”

Smith said MCBP had originally planned to host a collection event that focused on the removal of ghost pots – or pots that have been lost or abandoned in the waterways. The event, how-

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ever, has evolved into a much broader cleanup effort.

She noted that commercial crabbing is still underway in the coastal bays, and participants will receive registration packets that explain the differences between ghost pots, which can be collected, and live pots, which cannot be touched.

“We really don’t want anyone tampering with live pots, so we’ll also have DNR working with us and they will be out on the water that day …,” she said. “It’s kind of a twofold event.”

Smith said the Marine Debris Plunder will kick off when low tide begins at 8:20 a.m., although there is no specific start time. Volunteers will collect debris from the watershed throughout the day and return to Pure Lure at the West Ocean City marina by boat or by land to weigh and dispose of trash.

“We weigh it and take your picture,” she said. “It’s just like a fishing tournament.”

Trophies and prizes will be awarded virtually to volunteers with the most debris collected, the weirdest find, the most COVID-related trash and the best event spirit, to name a few. Dressing up like a pirate is optional.

The Marine Debris Plunder will also feature social distancing and safety measures, Smith said, and volunteers will be provided masks, gloves, bags and other collection items, which will be distributed from Pure Lure before the

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event. Pick up times will be determined once volunteers register for the event.

“Captain Jack Sparrow will be MCing, so when you pull up by boat or by car to drop off, we’ll have a DJ there, as well as Captain Jack greeting you,” Smith said.

“We’re going to make it as fun as we can without making it an event where we are all gathered around in the same space.”

Smith said the goal is to create an annual event that highlights litter issues in and around the coastal bays and encourages locals and visitors to take their “loot” with them.

“We really hope the community does

Page 45

come out and engage in this because it will help with our messaging next year,” she said.

For more information, or to participate, visit mdcoastalbays.org or email mcbp@mdcoastalbays.org. Registration will close on Oct. 2.

“We’re hoping this will be a really fun, family oriented event,” Smith said.

“People have been wanting to get out there and organize these events, but COVID has been a problem. We really feel like this is an event that can encourage the community to participate safely and have fun.”

Page 46

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

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September 25, 2020

County’s Riverboat Purchase A Risky Venture HOW WE SEE IT

It was stunning to see the typically conservative Worcester County Commissioners sign off on the purchase of a riverboat to boost south end tourism.

While the goal is noble, even the most ardent of supporters must acknowledge this approximately $350,000 purchase was rushed. The fact an emergency meeting was called to discuss the purchase, which was anything but pressing, confirms there was unusual haste at play.

Though we often disagree with their ultra conservative stances, we side with Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting on this decision. There were far too many questions without answers about the vessel and the potential revenues presented this week.

This decision clearly needed more time for evaluation, and Bertino and Bunting were right to vote against it.

It was odd to see the commissioners fall for the glib comments about the need to act quickly due to the competitive nature of the riverboat purchase. Forcing a commitment from the commissioners without a full disclosure of all the specifics of the situation was reminiscent of a Realtor or sales person applying pressure to customers under the pretense a decision is needed

immediately because another competitive deal is imminent.

While there may have been other interested parties, it’s highly unlikely the commissioners had to decide on the county’s commitment this week or the vessel would be snatched up by another jurisdiction. In fact, another Maryland town just last week passed on the purchase after conducting a much more thorough evaluation of the boat for months.

The county actually spent $5,800 purchasing reports from Leonardtown, Md. where the council decided last week to not purchase the boat after agreeing in principle to a deal in July.

Leonardtown had received a $100,000 grant designated to put toward the buy, but ultimately officials decided against it for unknown reasons.

There is no question more time was needed on this purchase, but we surmise the commissioners – who are clearly taking a leap of faith – were not as reserved as normal (remember a split vote over a $100,000 funding contribution to the county’s only hospital nearly derailed the budget this spring) because the funding will come from the federal government in the form of coronavirus funding and a state grant.

In the days since Tuesday’s decision, local fire and EMS officials have questioned why their input was not sought on the purchase ahead of time.

These same officials pointed out other nearby jurisdictions are using CARES funds to bolster emergency medical service operations while Worcester is looking to try and bolster tourism.

These are reasonable concerns.

Though we don’t understand the rush to a decision, the goal is honorable. It’s going to take something bold to turn around tourism in the south-end of the county. The Pocomoke River is clearly the jewel of the region and highlighting its uniqueness is a smart course of action. Having the riverboat to host special events like weddings, sightseeing trips, civic group luncheons and sunset cruises could be successful over the long term.

It’s an optimistic hope, but there’s a lot of risk with this purchase. It might be a success or it could be a boondoggle. As County Commission President Joe Mitrecic maintained, “I have my concerns. Don’t get me wrong. But as I just said to Mr. Elder nothing ventured nothing gained. I think this is a venture that’s going to be a big gain for the county.”

We truly hope that’s the case.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Impressed With Paper Editor: My wife came home from a recent visit to Ocean City with a copy of the Sept. 4 edition of The Dispatch. I sat down at my kitchen table this morning and read it (since my Baltimore Sun wasn't delivered again). Wow, your paper is chocked full of well written and informative stories and great photographs, all produced by a local staff.

I didn't think a paper like The Dispatch existed any more.

Your banner has it right -- a product like The Dispatch is "Priceless" to a free society.

The large metropolitan dailies should study how The Dispatch is produced.

They would learn a thing or two.

Sean Tully Baltimore

Berlin Leaders Thanked Editor: (The following letter was addressed to the Berlin Mayor and Council.)

The people of Walnut Hill would like to thank Town officials for their prompt resolution of two issues here in our neighborhood. Some sections of our sidewalk were heaving due to

roots from the street trees, creating a walking and biking hazard. Also, some of our lovely street trees were getting large enough to interfere with the street sweeper. There had been some confusion about who had the responsibility to maintain the sidewalk and the trees, but the Town quickly acknowledged that these areas are in the Town's deeded right-of-way.

In short order, the Town crews, along with the masonry contractor, got to work to correct the problems.

We'd especially like to thank Jeff Fleetwood for getting the ball rolling and seeing it to completion, Dave Wheaton, Alan Parkinson and their crews for doing a great job in a very timely manner. Everyone was great to work with.

Walnut Hill Homeowners Association Berlin

Residents Advised To Form Voting Plan Editor: My friend Melissa’s sister just passed away. When she learned of her terminal cancer, Diane, who lived here on the Eastern Shore, told her doctor

that her No. 1 goal was to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election. She did not get to cast her vote. Diane’s wish underscores how precious our right to vote is. This year because of COVID19, we can vote in person or by mailin ballot, also called “absentee ballot.”

Option 1. Vote In Person. Even with COVID-19 precautions, voting in person in Worcester County should feel mostly like it always has. Vote early at Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Hwy from Monday, Oct. 26 through Monday, Nov. 2, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Or vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. at Pocomoke Community Center, 1410 Market Street in Pocomoke; Snow Hill Middle School, 522 Coulbourne Lane in Snow Hill; Stephen Decatur Middle School, 9815 Seahawk Road in Berlin; or the Ocean City Convention Center.

Option 2. Vote By Mail-in Ballot. I am voting by mail-in ballot out of concern that a family health event could prevent me from voting in person. You may also.

Step 1. If you have not received a request form in the mail, request a mail-in ballot pnline at https://elections.maryland.gov/voting/absenSEE NEXT PAGE

September 25, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR tee.html; or by texting VBM (English) or VPC (Spanish) to 777-88 if you have a Maryland Drivers License or other MVA ID Card; in person at Worcester County Board of Elections, 201 Belt Street, Suite C in Snow Hill; and by mail-in form from https://elections.maryland.gov/voting/absentee.html or picked up at Worcester County Board of Elections.

If you are not able, someone else, 18 years old and not a candidate, can pick up and return your ballot for you.

In that case, complete a Designation of Agent form from the Board or https://elections.maryland.gov/voting/absentee.html.

Step 2. Follow up online https://voterservices.elections.maryland.go v/VoterSearch or at the Worcester County Board of Elections (410-6321320) if you do not receive your ballot within three weeks of your request, or by Oct. 13 at the latest.

Step 3. Complete and submit your mail-in ballot, preferably as soon as you receive it. In person at a drop box at Board of Elections in Snow Hill or Ocean City Convention Center. By mail to Worcester County Board of Elections, 201 Belt Street, Suite C, Snow Hill, MD 21863. You may also hand-deliver your mail-in ballot to the poll during Early or Election Day Voting (See locations under “Option 1.”).

Register to Vote. If unregistered, register to vote when you vote in person or when you request a mail-in ballot by Oct. 15. Have proof that you are a U.S. citizen, a Maryland resident, and at least 18 by Nov. 3. If you have been convicted of a felony, register to vote after release from prison even if you registered before.

Dr. Roxie Dennis-Acholonu, Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County chair, urges you to make a plan to vote and implement it as soon as possible. The rest of the DCCWC and I join her.

Teri Simpson Lojewski (The writer is a member of the Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County.)

Capital Project Planning Costing City Millions Editor: In January of 2018, the Mayor & City Council of Ocean City (M&CC) held a bond sale of $25.8 million. The bond sale was to finance the town’s portion of both the Campus Plan at 65th Street and the current expansion of the Convention Center, as well as to fully fund the new Public Works South Facility, designed to house the boardwalk trams and beach cleaning equipment.

In reference to the Campus Plan, Hal Adkins, Director of Public Works, wrote the following in a memo dated Aug. 24, 2016, which appeared in the Council agenda packet on Aug.

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

30, 2016, “It should be noted that it is our intent to have formal bids in hand by June/July 2017 thus allowing us to proceed to the Bond Market with ‘hard numbers’, not estimates.”

Contrary to Hal’s sound advice, the M&CC proceeded to the bond market without hard numbers, only estimates. The bids for the Campus Plan were opened just a few days before the bond sale. What was estimated to cost a total of $25.4 million came in at $35.8 million, over 40% higher. Why would the M&CC go to the bond market without hard numbers?

In April of 2019, well over a year after our bond sale, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the sale of State bonds for their portion of the Convention Center expansion. It took another six months before the Maryland Board of Public Works authorized the Stadium Authority to issue bonds for the State’s portion of the expansion. It was nearly two years before the final bids were approved by the state to proceed with construction. The original estimate for the expansion was estimated to cost a total of $34 million. Following the two years delay, the cost had increased to $37.5 million, up over 10.2%. Why would the M&CC go to the bond market before they knew the State had finalized the approval of their portion?

By the time the contract was awarded to build the Public Works South Facility, nine months after our bond sale, the cost increased from an estimated $3 million to $3.85 million, up over 28%. This does not even take into account that the M&CC paid $2 million for land acquisition to construct this facility, which was $220,000 more than the property’s appraised value. Again, why would the M&CC go to the bond market without hard numbers?

The combined result of opening bids at or well after our bond sale for these three capital projects revealed an overall increase of $14.7 million over original estimates. The M&CC continue to establish textbook cases of how not to plan, fund and build capital projects.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

To Our Readers: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority.

Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

Page 47

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Ocean City should immediately abandon any thoughts of closing St. Louis Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets as recommended by a consultant presenting park redevelopment proposals. It was surprising to hear comments from local officials who expressed some support for closing the block to vehicular traffic in any fashion during a subcommittee meeting last Friday.

Though there could be a rational argument made for temporary closures for off-season special events, any redevelopment plans for the downtown park should exclude major changes to the road. Dozens of comments in opposition were posted on our Facebook page and elsewhere when the story was posted Monday morning. St. Louis Avenue is a popular route for locals who are aware of the short cut north and south as well as the ease of access during the summer months.

This lamebrained concept reminds me of a plan submitted by a Texas consultant evaluating downtown redevelopment more than 20 years ago.

Two major suggestions were to close off the downtown to vehicle traffic south of the Route 50 Bridge and to sell the Inlet parking lot to a private company for a massive mixed-use development anchored by a major hotel. Though there were parts of the plan clearly embraced that eventually led to the formation of the Ocean City Development Corporation, those two key suggestions for a new vision for the downtown were abandoned as impractical immediately. It revealed a major disconnect between the consultant and the realities of the community being evaluated.

Like the report in 1999, there are pieces of the proposed redevelopment plan for the park worth pursuing and considering for future funding. It’s exciting to see some major changes suggested. However, in the end, I think any sort of closure of St. Louis Avenue from 2nd to 3rd streets will not gain traction before the full council. Most of the council will realize this will have a major negative impact on residents.

Everyone wants to know when public school students will return to in-person learning in Worcester County. The short answer is it’s not clear yet, but details are beginning to leak out. What is known is some students will begin returning next week.

Approximately 10% of Worcester County public school students will return on Monday. The students in this first group include special needs individuals with Individualized Education Plans, at-risk students who have not been participating in virtual learning and the children of teachers.

There appears to be a phased-in plan moving forward, according to documentation sent out by some county public schools this week. More and more students will return on a two-week basis evidently with more students expected to return Oct. 12 and then additional students two or three weeks later, according to notices sent to parents at a couple local schools. In fact, one teacher told students in a class on Zoom this week all students are expected back in the buildings by early November on the one-week, in-person followed by one-week virtual rotation.

I have enjoyed being a part of the town hall discussions with Berlin mayor and council candidates the last two weeks. The goal of these virtual forums was simple – to educate and inform town voters on the candidates and choice they have to make next month. Additionally, I am hopeful the video forums, which can be found on our website, also further increase citizens’ interest in letting their voices be heard. Berlin typically has a dismal voter turnout, but in the defense of voters there have not been a lot of choices for them to make in recent history.

I have never sided with the incumbent elected officials’ theories when they are unopposed. They in the past were quoted as attributing the lack of challengers as confirmation they were doing well by their constituents. While there could be some truth to that, I think more likely is the fact the voter base was apathetic.

It’s safe to say today Berlin’s community is as invested and interested in the upcoming election as ever. The two forums we hosted online have a combined 2,200 unique views with average watch times of 45 minutes.

Berlin has less than 4,000 registered voters. I even heard a fun report this week of a planned happy hour at a local residence featuring the candidate videos being projected on a big screen outside.

Another indication of the active political community Berlin has become is this week’s uproar over Berlin Councilman Troy Purnell’s son, Austin, being appointed to the town’s planning commission by Mayor Gee Williams. Austin Purnell, a local Realtor, is expected to be sworn in during Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting. Purnell will replace former Planning Commissioner John Barrett, who gave up his seat recently after relocating his residence outside of town.

It’s expected this appointment will be the subject of an ethics complaint in the near future. It will be the ethics commission’s job to see if there has been any malfeasance in this situation, and my guess is the group will not find wrongdoing, but it’s certainly noteworthy the swearing-in ceremony will take place a week before the election.

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

xpectations clearly need monitoring with children these days.

Our own actions and decisions as parents will go a long way toward keeping our kids’ requests in check.

As we talked with Beckett about how he should not expect us to buy or build him a new skateboard ramp (a half pipe) if he gets all A’s on his first term report card, I remembered a story I read a few years ago about delayed gratification.

I was particularly jammed up this week with parenting and work responsibilities, so forgive me but I am going to share an article, “Parenting: Are We Getting A Raw Deal?,” by Rhonda Stephens in this space this week.

We all love our kids, and we want to see them happy and fulfilled, but I fear we’re robbing them of the experiences that make life memorable and make them capable, responsible, confident adults. For the majority of us, the very nice things we had as teenagers, we purchased with money we earned after saving for some ungodly amount of time. Our children are given most everything, and sometimes I wonder whether it’s for them or to make us feel like good parents. The bottom line is that you never value something you were given, as much as something you worked for. There were lessons in our experiences, even though we didn’t know it at the time. All those high school cat fights, and battles with teachers we clashed with, were an opportunity for us to learn how to negotiate and how to compromise. It also taught us that the world isn’t fair.

Sometimes people just don’t like you, and sometimes you’ll work your ass off and still get screwed. We left high school, problem solvers. I’m afraid our kids are leaving high school with mommy and daddy on speed dial.

We just don’t have the cojones our parents had. We aren’t prepared to tell

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our kids that they won’t have it if they don’t work for it, because we can’t bear to see them go without and we can’t bear to see them fail. We’ve given them a whole lot of stuff; stuff that will break down, wear out, get lost, go out of style, and lose value. As parents, I suppose some of us feel pretty proud about how we’ve contributed in a material way to our kid’s popularity and paved an easy street for them. I don’t, and I know there are many of you that are just as frustrated by it as I am. …

Delayed gratification is a really good thing. It teaches you perseverance and how to determine the true value of something. Our kids don’t know a damn thing about delayed gratification.

To them, delayed gratification is waiting for their phone to charge.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage emotion are crucial life skills. Kids now have every problem solved for them. Good luck calling their college professor to argue about how they should have another shot at that final because they had two other finals to study for and were stressed. Don’t laugh, parents have tried it.

Independence allows you to discover who you really are, instead of being what someone else expects you to be. It was something I craved.

These kids have traded independence for new cars and Citizen jeans. They will live under someone’s thumb forever, if it means cool stuff. I would have lived in borderline condemned housing, and survived off of crackers and popsicles to maintain my independence. Oh wait, I actually did that.

It pisses me off. You’re supposed to WANT to grow up and forge your way in the world; not live on someone else’s dime, under someone else’s rule, and too often these days, under someone else’s roof.

Common sense is that little something extra that allows you to figure out

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which direction is north, how to put air in your tires, or the best route to take at a certain time of day to avoid traffic.

You develop common sense by making mistakes and learning from them.

It’s a skill best acquired in a setting where it’s safe to fail, and is only mastered by actually doing things for yourself. …

Mental toughness is what allows a person to keep going despite everything going wrong. People with mental toughness are the ones who come out on top. … It is a quality born from adversity. Adversity is a GOOD thing. … Our bubble-wrapped kids are so sheltered from adversity, I wonder how the mental health professionals will handle them all after the world chews them up and spits them out a few times.

I know you are calling me names right now, and mentally listing all the reasons this doesn’t apply to you and your kid, but remember I’m including myself in this. My kids aren’t as bad as some, because I’m too poor and too lazy to indulge them beyond a certain point. And I’m certainly not saying that our parents did everything right. God knows all that second-hand smoke I was exposed to, and those Sunday afternoon drives where Dad was drinking a Schlitz and I was standing on the front seat like a human projectile, were less than ideal; but I do think parents in the 70’s defined their roles in a way we never have. I worry that our kids are leaving home with more intellectual ability than we did, but without the life skills that will give them the success and independence that we’ve enjoyed.

Then again, maybe it’s not parents that are getting the raw end of this deal after all.

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 25, 2020

Tips To Remember With Lifeguards Wrapping Up Coverage GUARDING THE BEACH

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – I have really enjoyed spreading the word about beach safety each week in The Dispatch. The beach patrol and I really appreciate the commitment of Editor Steve Green and the opportunity to work together to get the safety message out to the public. I wanted to recap some important beach safety tips since this is my last article of the season.

There is no question swimming only when lifeguards are on duty and swimming in front of a lifeguard is the basic and most important action one can take to ensure beach safety. It seems easy enough, but late in the fall season when our beach coverage is about 20% of peak season (under 200 yards between stands to half of a mile), I keep seeing people that have not gotten the message.

As our mobile units tour up and down the beach on our ATV’s, we see a large number of people that go out to the beach and swim dead center between two life-

guards. Rip currents are unpredictable and simply put, it just makes sense to be close to the expert, the lifeguard, when in need.

Another important tip that is even more obvious than swimming near a lifeguard is learning how to swim. Learning to swim is one of the best things people can do to protect themselves from drowning. Unfortunately, we have rescues where people are pulled into deeper water by a rip current, and we find out later the person cannot swim. A non-swimmer would never jump into the deep end of a pool, but a rip current has the same effect, suddenly with little DAMIEN to no warning this same SANZOTTI non-swimmer is in water that is over their head and with no ability to swim are now an actively drowning individual. Once someone begins to panic and actively drown, they generally have 10-60 seconds until the situation becomes grave.

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The last tip I would like to leave you with pertains to rip currents. If you find yourself caught in a rip, don’t panic or fight the current. You must swim out of the current by swimming parallel to shore and then in to shore. If you are unable to swim out of the current, just float and tread water and call or wave for assistance. An easy way to remember what to do if you find yourself being pulled away from the beach, in the “Grip of The Rip” is to remember the letters “R.I.P” -- Relax and do not panic (panic causes even the best swimmers to drown); I is for I need help (draw attention to yourself so help can start to you); and P for swim parallel to escape the pull of the current and then swim back to safety on the beach (rip currents are not very wide). If you are on a guarded beach, help will be on its way.

I want to give the following warning one more time -- the beach patrol strongly encourages all beach patrons to restrict any beach or water-related activities to times and locations when and where

HERE’S MY CARD

beach patrol personnel are on duty, never swim alone, always stay with the limits of your swimming ability and never rely on a flotation device in place of your swim ming ability.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol, Ocean City Police Department, OC Fire and EMS, Ocean City Communications and all the public safety workers have done a tremendous job this season. Furthermore, many of the media outlets have also been invaluable in helping the beach patrol serve its mission by educating the public through the use of these publications. We all know having the knowledge necessary to prepare yourself is the first step in any situation. I truly hope that you have used these articles to your benefit.

Thanks for reading and have a great fall and winter. For more information on the Ocean City Beach Patrol and beach safety tips you can log on to our website www.ococean.com/ocbp.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 17 years and is currently a sergeant.

He is a physical education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School.)

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Ocean City Museum Planning Annual History Week Events

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum is gearing up for a busy fall season, featuring History Week, which offers a variety of events and activities that highlight the town’s unique cultural heritage.

From Oct. 10-16, the museum will offer free admission to all Eastern Shore locals. If you live on the Delmarva Peninsula, stop by and enjoy the museum free of charge. Capture the perfect family photo with a display of fall flowers, pumpkins and hay located on the Boardwalk in front of the shark display and anchor. Every day at 1 p.m. a free program will take a close look at the equipment that was used by the United States LifeSaving Service to conduct rescues. This program will be held inside the museum’s boat room. Throughout the week, there will be daily discounts on a wide variety of books, DVDs, and apparel within our museum store.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. author Anna Dolle Bushnell will be signing her new book “Dolle’s Candyland, Inc.” Bushnell’s book describes the history of her long-standing family run business.

On Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., join us from the comfort of your own home for an hour-long live broadcast Pieces of Our Past where we will share with our viewers several never before seen artifacts. Many of these artifacts are remnants of Ocean City’s oldest establishments.

“Some of the artifacts we will be showcasing are just as unique as they are old,” said curator Sandy Hurley.

A wooden leg, original rocking chairs from the Commander hotel and a 1940s chocolate bar in the shape of a whiskey

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bottle are just a few items you will get the chance to see and learn about. The broadcast is a fundraiser that will help strengthen and grow the George and Suzanne Hurley Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is open to Stephen Decatur High School graduates who plan on furthering their education at Salisbury University, Wor-Wic Community College or UMES. On Oct. 12 at 1 p.m., the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum is partnering with Worcester County Library for a special tour of the museum and a book

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Additionally, the museum is now accepting nominations for the Spirit Award.

Both individuals and organizations who have made a last impact on the preservation of local history are eligible for nomination. Visit ocmuseum.org for registration and additional information regarding all fall events.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Draft Study Lists County Priorities

September 25, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Team Donation:

The Worcester Preparatory School girls’ soccer team recently collected new backpacks and filled them with school supplies to donate to Lord Baltimore Elementary School in Ocean View, Del. Alum Marissa Grosso (WPS ’18) started the tradition to donate backpacks eight years ago. Coach Carol Hartnett continues the legacy every season, coordinating efforts with the WPS Volunteer Club, headed by teacher Linda Bragg. Pictured, front from left, are Lily Baeurle, Reagan Sterrs, Hanna Zajdel, Ava Wilsey, Morgan Schoch, Brooke Emeigh, Claire Windrow, Annie Carter, Ansley Gardner, Anna Williams, Myranda Beebe, Anna Carpenter and Lebby Becker; and, back, Hartnett, Waverly Choy, Grace Baeurle, Megan Walker, Charlotte Catapano, AnnaMarie Buas, Anna McDonald, Hannah Brasure, Ava Nally, Sumira Sehgal and Morgan White. Not pictured was Coach Allison Bescak.

Submitted Photo

SALISBURY – The replacement of aging airport infrastructure, the relocation of a truck weigh station and a feasibility planning study for the Salisbury bypass top the county’s list of transportation improvement requests for fiscal years 2021-2026.

Last week, Public Works Deputy Director Mark Whitelock and Airport Manager Tony Rudy presented the Wicomico County Council with a draft priority letter of transportation improvement requests.

Each year, the county submits a priority letter of requested improvements for the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan, which outlines a six-year capital budget for transportation projects.

Topping this year’s list of capital requests are several infrastructure projects at the Salisbury airport, including runway extensions, the construction of an aircraft rescue and fire fighting facility and the construction of a snow removal equipment building.

“I think there were minor changes made from last year’s list …,” Rudy said.

“Most of these projects are just things we are planning for.”

In April, the airport was awarded $18 million in funding through the CARES Act for capital projects. Councilman Joe Holloway asked if the listed projects would also use that federal funding.

“Is there any overlap with the funding, the $18 million, you got from the federal government?” he said.

Rudy noted that some of the project’s listed on the state priority letter were identified as CARES Act projects.

“But not knowing what the FAA is going to decide is eligible or not eligible, I figured we would include them with state funding too,” he replied. “If we do get state funding then we might be able to fund other projects we didn’t plan for.”

This year’s priority letter also includes a request to relocate the Route 13 truck weigh and inspection stations. For more than two decades, the State Highway Administration has sought to replace the stations.

“On the Route 13 truck weigh and inspection station, you need to really stress to them that they need to fund an other location for that,” Holloway said.

Other transportation requests include a drainage improvement study of Nanticoke Road, additional sidewalks along Route 13, and a feasibility study of the Salisbury bypass, among other things.

Whitelock said the feasibility study is expected to address merging issues near the Centre at Salisbury.

Councilman Josh Hastings stressed the need for sidewalks along Route 13.

He noted many people walked from a nearby trailer park to the mall and back.

“I watched a young family almost get hit by a car about a month ago …,” he said. “It’s not a great space for walking.

You’ve got a lot of people who nonetheless are using it as such. I don’t know how else to provide further safety.”

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

with Scott Lenox Oh the wind, it does blow doesn’t it?

Well it has this month. So far this September we’ve had less than a week of fishable days and that has absolutely crushed the fishing report scene in Ocean City.

White marlin fishing in September can be some of the best in the entire world off of Ocean City, but this year offshore boats haven’t been able to get to the canyons to find out. A couple of storms rolling by brought the area strong northeast winds more days than not so far this month, and anyone wanting to fish in the ocean has cancelled several trips. The wind has stopped blowing for now, and there will still be boats trolling the canyons for marlin, but we are so late that bites will more than likely be few and far between. Thankfully inshore bottom fishing should pick up right where it left off, there could be a good run of tuna this fall and die-hard canyon fishermen should be able catch swordfish late into the fall.

Speaking of swordfish, on one of the nicer days this month I got a report of some very nice fish from the Dock Master at Sunset Marina, Amanda Sprows.

On a very rainy Thursday the wind wasn’t quite blowing yet so the fleet was able to get to the canyons for one last trip before a Nor’easter was forecast to blow into the area. There were some tunas, white marlin, a couple of blue marlin and at least one wahoo caught, but the story of the day was some very big swordfish. The crew of the private boat Cabana had an insane day in the canyons this day with three swordfish to as big as 271 pounds, a 222-pound bigeye tuna and a pile of nice mahi. Epic fishing to be certain for this crew. The big fish of the day, however, came from the crew of the private boat Sea Hag who was also fishing out of Sunset Marina. The crew of Sea Hag dropped a whopper swordfish on the dock that weighed in at 422.5 pounds. That’s the biggest sword I’ve seen in a while. It’s worth noting that there is an open state record category for swordfish in Maryland that has not yet been filled. The qualifying fish will have to weigh at least 350 pounds and all IGFA catch requirements will have to be followed. There have been several fish over 350 pounds SEE PAGE 54

This huge 422.5-pound swordfish was caught by the crew of the private boat Sea Hag out of Sunset Marina.

Submitted Photos

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 25, 2020

Top left, Dave and Big Bird Cropper had a good day of fishing the Route 50 Bridge landing a 29-inch keeper rockfish and a limit of bluefish. Top middle, the crew of the private boat Cabana had an insane day offshore last week with three swordfish to 271 pounds, a 222 pound bigeye tuna and a pile of nice mahi. Top right, this double header of keeper sea bass came over the rail of the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak at the controls. Above left, Captain Chase Eberle of Chasin’ Tides Charters displays a big 14pound blueline tilefish caught on board last week. Above middle, these folks had a great time and caught a pile of sea bass on a recent trip with Captain Victor Bunting of the Ocean Princess. Above right, this toothy cutlassfish was caught on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins at the helm.

Opposite page, top left, this group had an awesome day of offshore trolling with Captain Joe Drosey of Rhonda’s Osprey when he put them on two blue marlin releases and a bunch of mahi. Opposite page, top right, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters put these ladies on a pair of nice sheepshead. Opposite page, bottom left, Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound has been catching some nice flounder up to five pounds when the wind isn’t blowing. Opposite page, middle right, Greg Murray and his crew had a great day of tuna fishing when they boxed nine yellowfin with Captain Chris Little of the Talkin’ Trash. Opposite page, bottom right, mahi fishing may be over soon for the party boat fleet, but this angler caught an inshore jumbo on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins.

... Fish In OC

FROM PAGE 53 caught since the DNR started the swordfish category, but all have been caught on electric reels that are popular for this type of fishing. In order to qualify, one angler will have to reel in a swordfish of 350 pounds or better by hand. Not impossible, but a daunting task when you’re talking about deep dropping 500 or more feet on the edge of the canyon.

The ocean going party boat fleet has been hit hard by the recent winds and has had to cancel many trips over the past two weeks. That is a huge bummer too because fishing in September can be very, very good for anglers looking to put sea bass, flounder, mahi, trigger-

fish and even cutlassfish in the freezer.

The mahi will be moving offshore and not available to the party boats, but they can be caught in the canyons into October and sometimes November depending on water temperatures.

Flounder fishing will slow for the inshore fleet as they move offshore, but sea bass fishing should only get better as we move into the fall. That could be saying something too because we’ve had one of the better summers for sea bass that I’ve ever seen. Limits of sea bass for bottom fishermen in May is one thing, but to have limits caught in July and August is awesome. Look for inshore charter and party boats to target flounder through October and then sea bass through the close of the season on Dec. 31. After that, anyone who stays in the water will target tautog for the winter months. Even though back

bay fishing can still take place when the wind is blowing, dirty water conditions brought on by the wind make cat-ching fish extremely challenging.

Flounder fishing has been tough over the past few weeks with dirty water in the back bays and very windy conditions have convinced most inshore anglers to wait it out. One of the lone bright spots over the past week or so has been the arrival of some legal sized rockfish that are being caught around the south jetty and the Route 50 Bridge. Anglers casting lures or drifting live bunker and spot have lucked into some nice fish over the 28-inch minimum size. Remember, in Maryland we are allowed to keep one rockfish from 28 to 35 inches per day.

The Fish in OC/Hooked on OC Ocean City Inshore Classic fishing tournament is just a few short weeks away and there is some awesome buzz sur-

rounding this year’s event. The tournament takes place on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 with registration on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Sunset Marina activity room. Fishing starts Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 a.m. and anglers can fish any or all of 32 hours until lines out Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. Categories include rockfish, flounder, tautog and open, and there are added entry levels if you’re feeling lucky. Last year we had 31 boats and paid out over $10,000 in prize money and folks had an awesome time.

If you’d like more information on the event you can call 410-430-1016. We’d love to see you there. Until next week, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television show Hooked on OC. He has worked in the fishing industry and been fishing the waters in and around Ocean City for over 25 years.)

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

Page 56

Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 25: TBA

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 25, 2020

Best Beats On The Beach

CLARION HOTEL 410-524-3535 • 10100 Coastal Hwy. Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 25 & 26: On The Edge, 7 p.m.

Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 25 & 26 First Class, 4 p.m. *Closing Party Weekend COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle In The Sand Hotel 37th & 38th St. • 410-289-6846 Friday, Sept. 25: Whisky Train, Noon-4 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama,Noon-4 p.m.; Human Connection, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27: Aaron Howell Duo, Noon-3 p.m.; Colossal Fossil Sauce, 4-8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1: Aaron Howell, Noon-3 p.m., Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2: Marcella Peters Duo, Noon-3 p.m., Monkee Paw, 4-8 p.m.

CORK BAR & GRILL Wicomico St. & Boardwalk 410-289-6921 Saturday, Sept. 26: Leftovers

FIRST CLASS Lenny’s Beach Bar/Clarion: Closing Weekend Friday & Saturday, Sept. 25 & 26

DUNEHOUNDS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Sept. 26

LAUREN GLICK DUO Downy Oshun: Friday, Sept. 25

BAD W/NAMES Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 25 & 26

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, Sept. 26 & Thursday, Oct. 1

FIREKITE Fager’s Island: Friday & Saturday , Sept. 25 & 26

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 19 Wicomico St. off the boardwalk 443-373-2756 Friday, Sept. 25: Runner Ups, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Dunehounds, 8 p.m.

Every Sunday: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

Every Tuesday: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1: Goofy Goober Rock, 8 p.m.

DOWNY OSHUN 120th St. Bayside 410-670-8025 Friday, Sept. 25: Lauren Glick Duo, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Everett Spells, 6 p.m.

Every Thursday: Otto Grundman & Friends, 6 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. & The Bay Friday, Sept. 25: DJ RobCee, 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, Sept. 25 & 26: Firekite PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Sept. 25: Joey Harkum Saturday, Sept. 27: Josh Pryor Sundays & Wednesdays: Beats By Skyler Every Tuesday & Thursday: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 25: John McNutt Duo, 4 p.m., Benderz Duo, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Kono Nation Duo, 4 p.m., Stealing Savannah Duo, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27: Opposite Directions, 4 p.m.

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Sunday, Sept. 27

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Sept. 25 Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Crawl St. Tavern: Sundays

JOEY HARKUM Pickles Pub: Friday, Sept. 25

AARON HOWELL Coconuts Beach Bar: Sunday, Sept. 27 & Thursday, Oct. 1

OTTO GRUNDMAN Downy Oshun: Thursdays

EVERETT SPELLS Downy Oshun: Saturday, Sept. 26

The Dispatch Classifieds

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

TECHNICIANS

Currently hiring manpower for

FT ADMIN ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST: Monday – Friday. Team Environment. 410.213.1554.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION WORKERS: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work.

Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST: Small, friendly dental office, FT or PT. Email resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Peninsula Irrigation, Inc. is expanding & currently seeking exp. installation & service technicians.

Exp. pref., but will train right person.

Must be self-motivated, have drivers license & transportation.

Call 410-352-5252

MASON TENDER/ SCAFFOLD BUILDER

Location in Ocean City, MD $24/Hour Contact Dave at 302-547-1575.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Environmental Health Specialist Trainee

Hiring All Positions

Full Time, State Benefited position located in Bishopville. The main purpose of this position is to perform duties as an Environmental Sanitarian Trainee in the area of community sanitation under the supervision of the Environmental Health Specialist Supervisor. Must possess a certificate of eligibility to be licensed as an Environmental Health Specialist from the Maryland Board of Environmental Health Specialist.

Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by September 29, 2020.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? The Dispatch classified pages can point you in the right direction.

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round - Full/Part Time ~BARTENDER ~SERVERS ~BUSSERS ~HOSTESS ~GRILL COOKS ~LINE COOK ~DISHWASHER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ($13/HOUR) ~LAUNDRY ~OVERNIGHT CLEANER ~HOUSEKEEPING HOUSESTAFF ~SECURITY GUARD ~NIGHT AUDIT EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

HELP WANTED

Page 57

SERVERS BUSSERS COOKS HOSTESSES BARTENDERS

Apply Within 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

•FUEL DOCK SUPERVISOR

Year Round position supervising Fuel Dock Staff.

Responsible for inventory of resale items, fuel inventory and other duties assigned.

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANTS

Seasonal position fueling boats, dock hand duties, and other duties assigned.

Apply Online at Delaware Job Link https://delawarestatejobs.com AA/EOE

west-o bottle shop o bar NOW HIRING a few great

people who have an

interest in the

brewed, distilled ofermented.

Year Round Work! Benefits!

Competive Pay! Life Balance!

Great Co-workers! Fun Work Environment!

FULL DETAILS at www.WestOBottleShop.com RESUME to info@westobottleshop.com TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND-TOWN CLERK The Town of Fenwick Island is seeking applicants for a full-time position as the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk provides administrative support and serves as the Town’s records management and FOIA coordinator, manages posting of agendas and transcription of minutes for all Council meetings and Committee meetings, maintains the calendar of Town Hall activities and updates the town sign, website, and Facebook page, coordinates all aspects of the Town election, produces the Town biannual newsletter, maintains the accuracy of essential property and tax records, voter registration and emergency contact records, and assists the Town Manager with special projects.

The Town Clerk reports to the Town Manager. The successful candidate must have completed high school or a graduate equivalency diploma with three or more years additional education in the business/clerical field or experience in a customer service-oriented clerical environment preferred. In addition, the successful candidate will have working knowledge of software used by this office for purposes of correspondence and analysis (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel). Demonstrable skill in business math, grammar reading, speaking, and writing, and light bookkeeping is required. The position requires the ability to work effectively with other employees and the public.

Courtesy, tact, and discretion are necessary to convey an appropriate amount of information to associates and the public.

A willingness to adapt to new office procedures and to accept assignments is needed. Dependable and timely attendance of job duties, as scheduled, is essential.

The position requires the handling of cash, making bank deposits and the recording of receipts. Candidates must meet bonding requirements.

Training in a certified program for municipal clerks is desired.

Designation as, or the ability to be designated, a Notary Public is preferred.

The Town of Fenwick Island offers an excellent total compensation package which includes health insurance, a deferred compensation plan, and vacation package.

Applications are available on the Town website at: www.fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

Applications must be submitted to the Town Manager by 4pm, Friday, October 2, 2020 at Fenwick Island Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944 or email to: employment@fenwickisland.org.

THE TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Dispatch

Page 58

Classifieds

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811

NOW HIRING!

YEAR ROUND DRIVERS Apply Within

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub, Bayside, 56th Street & Coastal Highway

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

THIRD INSERTION

sessed to Carolyn & Russell Holland.

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000129 PURYEAR’S HUT LLC 59 WINTER STREET RENO, NV 89519 Plaintiff

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL

vs.

WINTER RENTAL CONDO: 3BR, 2BA, 128TH ST. OCMD. Fully equipped, 4 TV's, internet, DVR. $950 + utilities, no smoking. 610507-1298 or djkr4@comcast.net ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: Condos 52nd & 127th, OC. 1BR, 1BA. Great locations, Nice. Starts Oct. 1st. $250 per week. Sec. Deposit reqd.

Cable & WiFi incl. 267-254-0111.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPDATED 2BR/1BA APT.: Beautiful Historic Downtown Berlin, MD. Walking distance to shops & restaurants. Rent $1500/mo. with first and last month’s rent due at signing along with $1500 sec. dep.

No smoking. No pets. Call (410) 641-2111 ask for Jessica.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR CONDO RENTAL: 1BR, 1BA. Unfurnished. Quiet Bldg. New Kitchen & Bath. W/D. Top Flr. No pets, no smoking. $900 + utils 410-524-6680 or 410-804-3444.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– OCEAN CITY WINTER RENTAL: $775.00/Month. Security deposit and references required. Contact Liz@homewatchdelmarva.net or 410-641-5470.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR-ROUND: 76th Street Oceanside Apartment. $1600/month includes electric and water. Call John at 443-880-2486.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SMALL OFFICE—MEDICAL SPACE FOR LEASE: 10031 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin. $395 per mo. Utilities included. Multiple spaces available. 443-856-5241.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPSCALE MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 2,130 sq.ft.

No CAM fees. 443-880-2225.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Russell Holland 999 E. Triple Crown Loop Hernando, FL 34442

WEEKLY RENTALS

SERVICES Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

Poolfront Room $215.

Efficiency Room $245.

2 BR Apartment $350.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn

ANNOUNCEMENT

1210 Philadelphia Ave.

CAR ACCIDENT: To the gentlemen who backed into my passenger side door at Shore Stop Valero on Rt. 589, 4-weeks ago, the damage was more than we thought.

Please call me, Debbie, 443-6693004, and leave a voicemail.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

410-289-8581

FOR SALE HOME IMPROVEMENT ITEMS: Appliances, 11 glass sliding doors, new a/c unit, windows, kitchen cabinets with granite. All good condition. Call 443-324-5206.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Upcoming Yard Sale?

The Dispatch is the best way to get the word out!

Print & Online

September 25, 2020

Carolyn Holland 999 E. Triple Crown Loop Hernando, FL 34442 Worcester County, MD Treasurer's Office Government Center Room 1105 1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863 Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 41, Account No. 01000411, Property description 105' X 105’ N SIDE R-113 WILLOW GROVE, Deed Reference: 00111/00285, Assessed to Carolyn & Russell Holland, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 41, Account No. 01000411, Property description 105' X 105’ N SIDE R-113 WILLOW GROVE, Deed Reference: 00111/00285, Assessed to Carolyn & Russell Holland.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Item No. 41, Account No. 01000411, Property description 105' X 105’ N SIDE R113 WILLOW GROVE, Deed Reference: 00111/00285, As-

It is thereupon this 14TH OF AUGUST, 2020 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 2nd day of November, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 9-11, 9-18, 9-25

THIRD INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18400 To all persons interested in the estate of MARTHA M. MOSKOWITZ, ESTATE NO. 18400. Notice is given that KATHRYN E. MENDELSOHN, 3513 34TH STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20008 was on, SEPTEMBER 08, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARTHA M. MOSKOWITZ, who died on JULY 15, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the

estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 KATHRYN E. MENDELSOHN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-11, 9-18, 9-25

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18430 To all persons interested in the estate of JOYCE L TIMMONS, ESTATE NO. 18430.

Notice is given that JAMES R BERGEY JR, 8938 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020, ap-

pointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOYCE L TIMMONS, who died on SEPTEMBER 07, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 JAMES R BERGEY JR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-18, 9-25, 10-2

SECOND INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET

The Dispatch

September 25, 2020

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18431 To all persons interested in the estate of KAREN BARBARA SHIPULA, ESTATE NO. 18431.

Notice is given that MARK A SZYPULA, 9025 NE JUANITA DRIVE UNIT B, KIRKLAND, WA 98034 was on, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KAREN BARBARA SHIPULA, who died on JUNE 04, 2020, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date

of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 MARK A SZYPULA Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-18, 9-25, 10-2

FIRST INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET

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SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18435 To all persons interested in the estate of ERIC B PIPER, ESTATE NO. 18435.

Notice is given that CYNTHIA B. MALAMENT, 12701 WHISPER TRACE DRIVE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ERIC B PIPER, who died on AUGUST 29, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died be-

fore October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 CYNTHIA B. MALAMENT Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 9-25, 10-2, 10-9

FIRST INSERTION

KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000208 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030 Plaintiff vs.

THE ESTATE OF RONALD P. PRIHODA SERVE ON:

Page 59 KELLY E PRIHODA, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE 332 CHURCH LANE PIKESVILLE, MD 21208 SERVE: 19 FOSSE GRANGE BERLIN, MD 21811 SERVE: 128 SADDLETOP DR. TANEYTOWN, MD 21787 AND OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION, INC SERVE ON: THE CORPORATION TRUST, INC. RES. AGENT 2405 YORK ROAD SUITE 201 LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM, MD 21093 SERVE: 239 OCEAN PARKWAY BERLIN, MD 21811 AND All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as: 19 FOSSE GRANGE, BERLIN, MD AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MD SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH COUNTY ATTORNEY 1 WEST MARKET ST. ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 19 FOSSE GRANGE, BERLIN, MD The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title, and interest Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and in the State of Maryland, sold by the Col-

lector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 56, Parcel No. 03109178, Property description: LOT B-10-1253, 10663 SQ FT, FOSSE GRANGE, PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10, Assessed to RONALD P PRIHODA AND CAROL ANN SHORB, also known as 19 FOSSE GRANGE, BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 18TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2020 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 17th day of November, 2020 warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 17th day of November, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 9-25, 10-2, 10-9

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September 25, 2020

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 60

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above a couple is pictured cruising south on Coastal Highway during last weekend’s bike week gathering. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

September 25, 2020

Kiwanians Jim Spicknall and Sue Winieke sold tickets for the 2021 cash lottery raffle at the Ocean Pines Saturday morning farmer’s market.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Volunteers, board members and staff from The Grace Center for Maternal & Women’s Health (Amy Mike, Jan Kolesky, Irene Ruscigno and Ella Hubbermand) masked up for the Motherhood Walk & Shop in the Park.

In Society

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You can buy tickets for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department truck raffle taking place Dec. 12, on Saturdays at the Ocean Pines Farmer’s Market from Bill Birckner, Michael Allen, Mike Birckner, Tracy Jones and Ed Woltin.

At the Ocean Pines Community Expo, Francina Jones, Deirdrie Givens, and Roxanne Farrare shared information with attendees on Chesapeake Health Care’s services.

The Atlantic Club’s September Virtual Walk for Recovery was being promoted by Chris and Colleen Wareing at the Ocean Pines Community Expo.

During the Motherhood Walk & Shop in the Park Caitlyn Goodwin and Tavy Burton of The Meraki Shack had a booth to benefit The Grace Center for Maternal & Women’s Health.

Jane Hoy and Amanda Smith of Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services got the word out about their Closing Cost Loan Program to Ocean Pines Commmunity Expo visitors.

Chesapeake Jewelers’ Mike and Melissa Bailey Descoteaux sell their handmade jewelry at the Ocean Pines Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning.

Representing the Knights of Columbus at The Grace Center for Maternal & Women’s Health Motherhood Walk & Shop in the Park were Tom Anderson and Tom Herwig, who were integral in purchasing the ultrasound machine for the facility.

It was a family affair at the Ocean Pines Farmer’s Market with daughter and father, Tonya and Ernest Price, selling their beautiful gemstones.

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Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Although practical situations continue to dominate this week, there's time for the Lamb to indulge in the fun things in life -- like maybe taking a special someone out for a great evening.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): This week favors relationships. Take time to renew old ones, and make time to go where new friends can be found. On a more practical note, expect news about a business deal.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You should be seeing some progress on that new workplace situation. Meanwhile, family matters might demand more attention, and you'll want to set aside time to deal with them.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A relationship suddenly might present some challenges you never expected.

After talking things out, you might want to consider taking some time to assess what you've learned.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): A disappointing response to a request might dampen the Lion's spirits. But you might want to ask the reasons behind it. What you learn can be of great importance in a future undertaking.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A once-volatile situation should be settled by now, giving you a chance to refocus on a project you've been planning for.

Look for an interested party to rally to your support.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A business matter that unexpectedly turns into

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

a personal situation could create complications. Best to resolve the matter now before too much harm can be done.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Emotions can run high when they involve personal matters that no one really wants to talk about. But this could be a good time to create the means to a workable outcome.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): A positive response to a workplace request could lead the way to other longsought changes. Congratulations. A personal situation also takes a welcome turn.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Patience pays off, as that once-overwhelming work situation continues to become easier to handle on a one-byone basis. Look for positive news from a colleague.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): It might be a good idea to take more time to reassess your next move in working out a complex situation. You could benefit from a new perspective on the matter.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You might want to consider making time to discuss a change of plans with everyone concerned. Be prepared to explain your actions. Also be prepared to listen to alternatives.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a strong sense of what is right, and you try to work from that foundation. Friends see you as reliable. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY vanishing

September 25, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

Ocean City in 1946 was a much different town than the resort we know today.

Both the city limits and the Boardwalk ended at 15th Street and fewer than 950 people lived there fulltime. There was no Inlet Parking Lot, no Convention Center and no rides on the Pier. The tourist season ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day and most locals worked seven days a week without a day off all summer.

Hotels of that era had no heating and were unable to stay open in the winter; from mid-September to the end of May Ocean City was almost a ghost town.

Slot machines were everywhere in 1946 and nearly every restaurant, bar, and hotel had at least one. The Plimhimmon was the town's largest hotel and the Ship Cafe one of the most popular restaurants. Both would be lost to fires in later years. A room for two -- with breakfast and dinner included – was $37.50 weekly at the Belmont Hotel on Dorchester Street.

In 1946 and into the early '50's, most stores in neighboring Berlin would close at noon on Wednesday so their employees could go to the beach. To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Postcard image from Bunk Mann’s collection

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Carryout on Sundays

Hearing my kid’s observations An enlightening lecture

Queen’s lyric, ‘We’re all God’s people” A surprising candidate filing for office Not taking youth sports for granted Hot September days

Positive news after a hurricane hits Playoff buzzer beaters Riding bikes to dinner

When common sense prevails

ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

September 25, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

September 25, 2020